PLAYING FOR KEEPS
The upside of downtime

The latest documentary feature film from
KPJR FILMS rolls into virtual festivals nationwide.

Consider the official definition of play: engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose. And yet hard science and deep wisdom tell us that play is neither silly nor impractical. The desire to engage in enjoyable experiences for their own sake is hard-wired into the brains of all mammals, and humans are no exception. Children deprived of independent play often pay the price in decreased social and emotional well-being. Conversely, adults who remain playful throughout life have better longevity. This is particularly true for people who have experienced chronic stress and/or acute trauma.

Despite its value, time spent playing has dropped precipitously. We bring our work home on tablets and smartphones. We pursue self-improvement with militaristic zeal. Entertainment passively floods our senses in a never-ending cycle of clicks, likes and swipes. As animals, we have evolved to thrive in a three-dimensional environment that engages our senses and emotions, yet our ever-increasing online activity (ironically called social media) can isolate us from deeper and more rewarding experiences.

PLAYING FOR KEEPS examines the value of play through a health lens. We feature high-performing individuals who prioritize play as essential to a happier life. We witness how play is a particularly powerful antidote to those subjected to stress and danger on the job, while highlighting the power of a playful approach to our daily lives, regardless of our circumstance.

As with all of our films, PLAYING FOR KEEPS aims to serve as a valuable tool for those working against vexing social challenges, by drawing from KPJR FILMS' deep experience with successful impact campaigns and strategic outreach partners.

Witness how play is a powerful antidote to stress through high-performing individuals who prioritize play as essential to a happier life. Click to watch the teaser here.

UPCOMING FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Louisville International Film Festival - PLAYING FOR KEEPS screens Thursday, November 5 - Saturday, November 7. Click for an All-Access Pass.

Ojai Film Festival - PLAYING FOR KEEPS Screens Saturday, November 7 at 4pm & Wednesday, November 11 at 10am. Click to purchase tickets.

Collegiate Premiere:
PLAYING FOR KEEPS at UCLA

On October 25th, The Semel Healthy Campus Initiative Center at UCLA kicked off its Health Equity Seminar series with the virtual movie premiere of PLAYING FOR KEEPS, open to all University of California students, faculty, staff, alumni and retirees.

The premiere was followed by a panel discussion led by Executive Director of UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Dr. Nicole Green, and featured UCLA Chief of Medical Psychology, Dr. Bob Bilder, UCLA Recreation Associate Director of Fitness and Wellness, Elisa Terry, UCLA undergraduate student and Assistant Commissioner of the Student Wellness Commission, Miranda Kim, and from the film, Dr. Stuart Brown, Founder of the National Institute for Play, along with Caroline Cárdenas, MSN, MA, RN, CBCN, Oncology Nurse and Hula Hoop Dancer.

The panel explores the relationship between play and health equity. Watch Now!