Batkid Begins

Batkid Begins

Batkid Begins is a 2015 American documentary film directed by Dana Nachman. The film chronicles the events surrounding the "Batkid" phenomenon, which took place in San Francisco on November 15, 2013. The event was organized by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to fulfill the wish of a five-year-old boy named Miles Scott, who was battling leukemia, to become "Batkid," a sidekick to the superhero Batman.

Background

Miles Scott was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 18 months. After years of treatment, his cancer was in remission, and he expressed a wish to become Batkid. The Make-A-Wish Foundation, known for granting wishes to children with critical illnesses, took on the challenge of creating an unforgettable experience for Miles.

The Event

On November 15, 2013, San Francisco was transformed into Gotham City for a day. Thousands of volunteers and well-wishers participated in the event, which included a series of staged "missions" for Batkid to complete. Miles, dressed in a custom-made Batkid costume, was accompanied by an adult Batman as they "fought crime" across the city.

Key Missions

• Rescue a damsel in distress: Batkid saved a woman tied to the Hyde Street cable car tracks.
• Capture the Riddler: Batkid foiled a bank robbery orchestrated by the Riddler.
• Apprehend the Penguin: Batkid stopped the Penguin from kidnapping the San Francisco Giants mascot, Lou Seal.

The day concluded with a ceremony at San Francisco City Hall, where Miles received a key to the city from the mayor.

Impact

The Batkid event captured the hearts of people worldwide, with extensive media coverage and social media engagement. It highlighted the power of community and the impact of granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. The event also raised awareness and support for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Film Production

Batkid Begins was produced by KTF Films and New Line Cinema. The documentary explores the behind-the-scenes efforts to organize the event and the widespread support it garnered. It features interviews with Miles Scott's family, event organizers, and participants.

Reception

The film premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival in January 2015 and received positive reviews for its heartwarming portrayal of the Batkid event. Critics praised the film for its emotional depth and inspirational message.

Legacy

The Batkid event remains a significant example of the impact of charitable organizations and community involvement. It continues to inspire similar initiatives worldwide, demonstrating the power of collective goodwill.

External Links

• [Official website](http://www.batkidbegins.com)
• [Make-A-Wish Foundation](https://www.wish.org)

References

• ["Batkid Begins: The Wish Heard Around the World" on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3845086/)
• ["Batkid Begins" review on Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/batkid_begins)