BronxNet hosted second-grade students from Claremont Village’s C.S. 55 The Benjamin Franklin School on May 21 at BronxNet’s South Bronx Media + Technology center for the launch of “Eco-Leaders,” a new environmental TV show for children created by local Bronx puppetry artists.

 

The show’s target audience is children, and centers around time-traveling puppets who return to The Bronx from the year 2088 as they seek to learn what happened to a destroyed earth.

 

Students were given a behind-the-scenes look at how the show was created and filmed, and also got the opportunity to ask the show’s creators and actors questions. The interactive tour of BronxNet’s facilities concluded with the announcement that the students themselves would appear in a future episode of “Eco-Leaders.”

 

BronxNet’s executive director Michael Max Knobbe said of the day, “This is ‘behind the scenes.’ It’s about the process. We have the tools and technology that we’ve integrated into these spaces at BronxNet for our community, for digital storytelling, filmmaking, movie making, journalism, documentaries, game development, and more.”

The show’s cast and crew include actress and voiceover artist Paola Poucel, director Alba Garcia, puppeteer Kevin Peralta, and actor Logan Alarcon-Poucel. The show also features puppets LeTron James, Cardi G, and JP Ocho.

 

Peralta said, “Creating ‘Eco-Leaders’ has been an incredible journey, and it’s truly special to share its premiere with the young minds of C.S. 55. By combining storytelling, puppetry, and the theme of climate action, we hope to empower kids to believe in their ability to make a difference.

 

He continued, “Programs like ‘Eco-Leaders’ that are made and broadcast in The Bronx are crucial because they reflect and celebrate our community’s unique culture and stories. Seeing the students’ excitement and engagement today reminds us why we do what we do. We’re excited for everyone to join us on this adventure and explore the possibilities for a better future together.”

C.S. 55 Principal Luis Torres, who, as reported, was the Bronx Week 2023 People’s Choice honoree in education, said, “Today, we showed that with the right support, our students can thrive and excel in creative and educational endeavors. We are proud to partner with BronxNet and Creatives Rebuild New York to inspire our students and cultivate their passion for learning and environmental stewardship.”

 

“Eco-Leaders” had its broadcast premiere on Friday, May 31, and can be watched on Bronxnet.tv.

 

“Eco-Leaders” was made possible through funding from Creatives Rebuild New York, an artist economy development initiative.