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Becoming 13

2006 47 min
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This smart documentary explores the intimidating terrain of girlhood by following three 12-year-olds over the period of one year. As these girls move from childhood to maturity, it's clear that peer pressure is an important influence, but as the films shows, the greatest influence in a young girl's life is family. Filmmaker Victoria King's creative approach, including the use of "diary-cam" footage, not only follows the girls but allows them to question the world in their own voices. Ultimately, the film reveals the complexities of being 12, both satisfying our curiosity and inviting us to ask, What happens next?

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This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
Becoming 13

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This smart documentary explores the intimidating terrain of girlhood by following three 12-year-olds over the period of one year. As these girls move from childhood to maturity, it's clear that peer pressure is an important influence, but as the films shows, the greatest influence in a young girl's life is family.



Filmmaker Victoria King's creative approach, including the use of "diary-cam" footage, not only follows the girls but allows them to question the world in their own voices. Ultimately, the film reveals the complexities of being 12, both satisfying our curiosity and inviting us to ask, What happens next?

This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
Children and Youth All subjects
Kids' Movies All channels
  • writer
    Victoria King
  • director
    Victoria King
  • producer
    Geeta Sondhi
    Annette Clarke
    Victoria King
  • editor
    Lawrence Jackman
  • cinematographer
    Ellie Yonova
  • location recording
    Harvey Hyslop
  • original music composer
    Lori Clarke
  • production manager
    Anna Petras
  • production assistant
    Sabina Rana
  • researcher
    Baptiste Neis
    Ruba Nadda
    Claire MacKinnon
  • rights clearances
    Lisa Clarke
  • transcription
    Lisa Clarke
  • story editor
    Erna Buffie
  • additional camera
    Nigel Markham
  • additional location recording
    Ric Barella
    Mark Neary
    Bart Simpson
    Christian Sparkes
    John Hong
  • cinematography
    Ankur Ahuja
  • sound recordist
    O.V. Sathiyaseelan
  • camera assistant
    Ravinder
  • translation
    Talat Mian
  • post-production supervisor
    Anna Petras
  • assistant picture editor
    John Hong
    Edward Tanasychuk
  • sound edit
    Harvey Hyslop
  • mix
    Harvey Hyslop
  • online editor
    Steve Cook
  • colourist
    Steve Cook
  • closed captioning
    Edward Tanasychuk
  • post-production facility
    NIFCO
  • production accountant
    Cathy Corbett
  • production insurance
    Fraser & Hoyt
  • legal services
    Gerlinde Van Driel
  • production equipment
    Sim Video
    NIFCO
    Pope Productions
  • centre administrator
    John William Lutz
  • production supervisor
    Patricia Coughran
  • marketing manager
    Amy Stewart Gallant
  • executive producer
    Kent Martin

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Education

Ages 10 to 13
Study Guide
Guide 1
School subjects
Ethics and Religious Culture - Religious Diversity/Heritage Family Studies/Home Economics - Adolescent Development Family Studies/Home Economics - Parenting
Ask students to compare the different parenting styles seen in the film. They can reflect on the difficulties and benefits of being 12. Lead a class discussion in which students offer their thoughts about there being differences between 12-year-old girls depending on where they live. As an example, can students identify similarities and differences in attitudes with these girls in Newfoundland versus those held by 12-year-olds where they live? Read some stories from the book, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul. After sharing some of the stories, have students write about their own experiences.
Becoming 13
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Home licence (worldwide); Classroom licence (Canada only)

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Institutional licence

The institutional price includes the rights to screen this film in institutional settings and in free public screenings.

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