Transparency
By Tre Keys, FNRC Public Information Officer
REDDING, Calif. — KIXE PBS is teaming up with the Redding Library to host a community screening of Carl the Collector, a new animated series focused on inclusivity and neurodiversity. The event, set for December 5, will include two free screenings and informational resources for families with children who are neurodivergent.
The collaboration between KIXE PBS and local organizations is aimed at fostering community engagement and providing educational content that resonates with local families, according to Rob Keenan, general manager at KIXE PBS.
“We’ve had a good partnership over the years with Far Northern Regional Center, and we felt this screening was a great fit,” Keenan said. “Carl the Collector covers important issues about how we engage with people who are different and how those who are different navigate life.”
The event will feature a half-hour episode of Carl the Collector, which follows the adventures of Carl, a young raccoon who enjoys collecting items. The show focuses on Carl’s journey with his neurodivergent friends as they navigate challenges, with the support of Carl’s loving mother. The program aims to create positive representations of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Families attending the screening will also have the opportunity to connect with community organizations, including First 5 Shasta and Rowell Family Empowerment, which will provide resources for navigating autism and other neurodivergent conditions.
“There will be resources and people to talk to, particularly for families with children who are neurodivergent,” Keenan said. “The library itself will also offer access to a wide range of books on these topics.”
The partnership with the Redding Library is part of KIXE PBS’s effort to revive its Indie Lens Pop-Up series, which had been paused during the pandemic. The series will return in early 2025 with a documentary on the history of libraries, planned for screening at the Redding Library.
Keenan noted that Carl the Collector was inspired by children’s books written by Zechariah O’Hora, an author on the autism spectrum. The show’s focus on an autistic protagonist is designed to help young viewers feel comfortable with their differences.
“The message of the show is simple: It’s okay to be different,” Keenan said. “If kids feel like outsiders, we hope this show helps them feel more comfortable with what they are going through.”
For families who cannot attend the December 5 event, Carl the Collector will air daily on KIXE PBS starting November 14.
In addition to children’s programming, KIXE PBS will air a new Ken Burns documentary on Leonardo da Vinci on November 18 and 19, exploring the Renaissance artist’s dual talents as both a scientist and an artist.
Families interested in staying updated on future KIXE PBS events and programming can visit the station’s website at kixe.org or sign up for the email newsletter.