Why Zoe Saldaña’s kids are watching Hitchcock instead of Avatar

For Zoe Saldaña, movie night is more than entertainment. It’s a family tradition designed to introduce her children to some of cinema’s most celebrated classics.

The Oscar-winning actress and her husband, producer Marco Perego, have made film education a regular part of life at home with their three sons, 11-year-old twins Cy and Bowie, and their youngest son, Zen, 9. 

Rather than limiting their viewing to contemporary blockbusters, the couple carefully curates screenings of influential films that have shaped generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.

Marco revealed to People that among the titles that have earned a place on the family’s watchlist is Billy Wilder’s 1960 masterpiece ‘The Apartment,’ which the boys recently watched and reportedly loved. 

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Another memorable viewing experience came with ‘Cinema Paradiso,’ the beloved 1988 Italian drama that Perego described as “very, very beautiful” to share with their children.

The family also regularly revisits Alfred Hitchcock’s 1955 romantic thriller ‘To Catch a Thief,’ starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, helping their sons develop an appreciation for classic storytelling and old Hollywood glamour.

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While Saldaña and Perego are passionate about introducing their children to cinematic history, they are equally thoughtful about when their sons are ready to experience their parents’ own work.

Despite Saldaña’s starring role in blockbuster franchises such as ‘Avatar,’ the actress has revealed that her children have not yet seen the films. She has explained that she wants them to be emotionally prepared before diving into the expansive sci-fi saga.

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That doesn’t mean the boys aren’t proud of their mother’s career. Saldaña has shared that her children especially enjoy seeing her in family-friendly projects, including Pixar’s ‘Elio,’ which allows them to connect with her work in a way that feels age-appropriate.

The couple’s approach to film reflects a broader parenting philosophy they have spoken openly about over the years. 

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Saldaña and Perego have emphasized raising their sons without rigid gender stereotypes, encouraging emotional intelligence, creativity, and curiosity. 

They strive to present a united parenting front while creating a home environment where their children feel comfortable expressing themselves freely.

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Part of that philosophy includes teaching their boys to appreciate different perspectives and forms of storytelling, whether through contemporary animation or cinematic classics from decades past. 

By turning movie nights into a shared family experience, Saldaña and Perego are ensuring their sons gain more than an appreciation for film history. They’re learning the value of conversation, empathy, and culture along the way.