P-Star Rising

Filmmaker Gabriel Noble follows the fortunes of one-time rapper and single father Jesse Diaz and his precocious and talented young daughter Priscilla (“P-Star”) as they seek both stardom and an escape from poverty for their family, which also includes older sister Solsky. Noble spent four years shooting P-Star Rising, which aired on PBS's Independent Lens series, beginning when Priscilla is just 9 years old and the trio are living in a shelter in Harlem. Jesse offers plenty of support, but putting his future in the hands of a youngster seems risky. Still, as the documentary unfolds, Jesse finds stable housing while P-Star performs, records, and shoots videos, as their world expands to include late-night studio sessions, international travel, negotiations with music producers, and home schooling. Solsky, who has a learning disability, takes it all in stride but is lonely when Jesse and P-Star are away. Eventually, P-Star finds her biggest success as part of a platinum-selling kiddie act, Reggaeton Niños (she's now a cast member on PBS's Electric Company), bringing financial security to the family. But Jesse learns that there's a price to pay when a child—and a parent—achieve their wildest dreams. P-Star Rising raises important questions about the marketing, sexualization, and short shelf-life of youth entertainers. DVD extras include bonus footage and a music video. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)