Tribeca Film will transport Sesame Street fans back to their childhoods when it brings the documentary, I Am Big Bird to theaters in early 2015.  The portrait of the now 80-year-old Caroll Spinney, who has spent more than 40 years as the man portraying Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street, features footage of his earliest collaborations with Jim Henson (The Muppet Show), and traces his journey from bullied child to TV star.

Directed and produced by Dave LaMattina (We Must Go) and Chad N. Walker (Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs), the indie documentary premiered at Canada’s HotDocs Festival earlier this year to enthusiastic reception, and will also be screened at the DOC NYC festival this month.

In a reflective statement by Walker, “Caroll entrusted us with telling his story, and we’re thrilled that we’ll finally be able to share it with audiences across the country.”  LaMattina added, “This is a project we’ve spent years of our life on, and we’re ecstatic to be working with Tribeca, a company that shares our vision for I Am Big Bird.”

According to Todd Green, GM for Tribeca Film, “Big Bird is one of the iconic figures in American television, and this portrait of the man inside, Caroll Spinney, is simultaneously joyful and fascinating.”

The deal was negotiated for Tribeca Film by Alison Diviney, and Abby Davis of Preferred Content on behalf of the filmmakers.