Kevin Clash is a big kid.

“When I was nine years old, it was just a dream that I had — wow, I wish that I could work with the Muppets.“

He also happens to be the voice, soul, and heart of the Elmo. Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey is a documentary about the international icon and his brilliant creator.

The film, created by Constance Marks, follows Kevin’s improbable journey from his parents’ tiny house in Baltimore — where, at age 9 he knew that he wanted to make Muppets and work on Sesame Street — to New York City, where he was mentored by and worked with such luminaries as Frank Oz, Kermit Love, and the legendary Jim Henson.

It’s a moving story of love, passion, and how a singular focus on your dreams can alter the course of your life (and the lives of countless others).

“If everybody else your age is doing something very different than what you’re doing, there’s always gonna be someone saying that you might not succeed…you might not make any money with that…and all of those things will go away if you really focus on what makes you happy.”

Me, Elmo, and Kevin

See if the film is playing in your area.