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René Hoeben teaches children with communicative disabilities to paint. By catching monsters on paper the children learn to deal with their fears. The documentary follows Hoeben's work at St. Marie’s, an institute that specializes in the treatment and care of communicatively challenged children. These are children and youngsters with hearing and speaking difficulties or who have related social problems. Each case is unique and requires an individual approach and treatment.
To some children, the world surrounding them is terribly complex and hard to grasp. With intensive guidance they can begin to get a grip on their lives and a sometimes threatening world. In addition to communication therapy, St. Marie’s also provides opportunities for the emotional and creative growth of the children. Stimulating their imagination, Hoeben encourages the children to transform elusive fears into a monster, drawn on paper. A monster can be controlled and even locked up in a cage if necessary. It can help make the world a less frightening place.
With guidance and understanding the children at St. Marie’s learn to cope in their daily-life. On paper the children let their imagination run wild. Parents are kept constantly informed about their child’s development and on Family Day the children proudly tell the story themselves. Catching monsters is a heart-warming documentary about the courage and creativity of an unusual group of children and their teacher. |
Catching monsters
