Taller Than a Kid

As seniors approaching graduation, we feel a new type of pressure as we enter what seems to be a different stage of adulthood. But what does adulthood actually mean? In talking to my thesis partner, we both discovered similar fears regarding the concept of “growing up” and its looming presence throughout our lives. Neither of us could decide on a singular definition, so we began our search for comfort by listening to others’ knowledge and experiences. Our documentary explores what it means to “grow up” by asking people of all ages how they understand and reflect on their experiences of getting older. We want to emphasize these shared anticipations and anxieties about the future because, although it is often seen as an individual and isolating experience, growing up is universal. This series of snapshots into many different lives centers on the feelings, pressures, and uncertainties of growth and change throughout life. We’re both dealing with the pressures of slowly journeying into adulthood, and this documentary is our way of finding solace and connection to people through their varying perspectives. In comparing childhood dreams, teenage expectations, and reflections from all ages, we put into perspective the coming changes in life with the reassurance that, despite the fear and excitement that comes with an uncertain future, life goes on. Inspired by the sentiments of a coming-of-age film, our documentary blends uncertainty, childish innocence, and wisdom to authentically explore what it means to “grow up”