Monday, April 22, 2002

Open letter to Lions Gate Films and the artists involved in Monster's Ball:

I just saw Monster's Ball and loved it. The relationship between Leticia and her son was incredibly powerful, yet sadly very realistic. As a fitness trainer for the past 20 years, and founder of FIT4FREE, a non-profit health advocacy foundation dedicated to bringing physical fitness to people of all socio-economic levels, I was compelled to contact you regarding Coronji Calhoun, the talented but severely overweight child actor in the film. Our foundation works mostly with children from low-income backgrounds, and we teach them about the importance of good nutrition, exercise and maintaining good health in order to prevent illness. It's hard work, but we're doing it because so many people are dying far too soon, due to poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle. 300,000 deaths could be prevented every year if everyone had the knowledge and the means to take care of themselves.

That is why I was so touched by the role of Tyrell, played by Coronji Calhoun. His character represents the thousands of kids in the US -including a disproportionately large percentage of poor and minority children- who are overweight, and whose health is out of control. In her Academy Award winning role as his mother, Halle Berry felt frustrated and powerless to help him. Coronji was brilliant as well, and deserves recognition for his performance, but an Oscar would not be enough. I would hate for him to become the next flash in the pan, who got his fifteen minutes and then faded into obscurity. Now that it's all over- what's next for him? He'll be typecast as the "fat kid", destined for the fate of Chris Farley.

You gave him his fifteen minutes. And now the kid must face reality. He is the fat kid. "Bad, bad, bad," like Leticia said. This young actor, whose character suffered from the modern era plague of childhood obesity, was used in an Oscar-winning movie that will make plenty of money, was slapped around and humiliated for a little money and then is gone, back to his life, like nothing happened. I'm curious as to how that experience affected him.

I mean, for crying out loud… he didn't put on a fat suit to look like that- he has a history. If not exactly similar to the character he portrayed, it is clearly not healthy for him to be so overweight at such a young age. I challenge you to use your talents and resources to turn your movie magic into everyday magic, by joining with me to show Coronji that he is not forgotten -- and that he can be an inspiration to kids across the nation. By addressing the reasons and causes of obesity -- namely, lack of education and proper resources, resulting in modern lifestyle habits that are too highly influenced by marketing and modern conveniences -- we can begin to reverse this life-threatening trend to help not only Coronji, but other kids like him, as well.

First we must ask:

- Is there a gym in Coronji's school, with a health education program? If not, could we create one?

- Is there a restaurant that offers healthy food appealing to kids, in Coronji's town? If not, maybe we could design one, with incentives for the kids to eat well.

- Are there public messages in Coronji's town enticing the kids to be fit and active? If not, maybe we could create some, to balance out the omni present message of junk food dealers and others corporate marketers.

- Are parents able to set an example? Do they care about being healthy? If not, maybe we could educate and motivate them.

- Are there affordable gyms for their parents -- with instruction?

- Do employers offer cafeterias with health conscious meals?

You see, little Coronji didn't become overweight just because he was hungry -- not at all. It was his surroundings and our society that helped him and thousands of others like him gain those extra pounds that threaten their lives. 1 of 5 kids in the US is overweight or obese -- a figure that has doubled in the past 30 years! Not only does it cost billions a year, but it's also the second leading cause of death, killing more than 300,000 people yearly in the US alone.

We can clearly see the problem; we are all aware of what's wrong. By bringing attention to this matter in the movie, you put your finger on the issue. Now is the time to act responsibly and do something about it. Together, we can create health-conducive environments for Coronji and children like him.

As artists and filmmakers, it is irresponsible to exploit Coronji's condition under the guise of art unless you subsequently do something to reverse the problem. Use your powerful medium not only to entertain, but also to educate. Let Coronji lead the way. I challenge you to a Monster's fitness Ball… one with real balls. I will do my part free of charge; that is my commitment to Coronji. The Fit4Free team will also make themselves available to encourage Coronji and others like him to live a healthy lifestyle.

Now is the time for everyone involved with Monster's Ball to step us and help one of their own.

Sincerely,

Raphael Picaud