How My Imagination Set Me Free | Mukunda Angulo | TEDxTeen

When your only access to the outside world is through watching movies - who would you become? Imagination can set you free.
TEDxTeen opening music by BlackDoe
Mukunda Angulo is an artist and filmmaker from New York City. He is one of the six brothers featured in the critically acclaimed, Sundance Grand Jury prize-winning documentary, "The Wolfpack".The film focuses on Mukunda and his brothers, raised in a New York public housing apartment isolated from society by their paranoid, overbearing father. Movies became their only view of the outside world and led them to create elaborate homemade costumes to emulate the films that they watched obsessively. At 15, Mukunda decided to leave the apartment for the first time on his own, setting off a chain of events to liberate him and his brothers from his father's lock down.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@krisschaefer5851]

This kid's got such charisma. I can't wait to see what he does with his life!

[@linziRyan1965]

I love him I love all of them

[@GR-hy3tf]

Same

[@Girlshushyourmouthtv]

Agree

[@zendyk]

Whatever he's done, it looks like he found a wife at least. He's wearing a wedding band on his left hand.

[@veeneemaas]

Indeed

[@charlesbukowski9997]

Crazy how first person they met was a film maker.... everything happens for reason.

[@allsmiles2160]

All God🙏🏼

[@mariyastoyanova31]

@@allsmiles2160 no

[@gokushkameha-ha-ha9344]

I never thought I'd see women disagree about the concept of religion on KZbin off RIP out the blue but here i am eating popcorn

[@jamjelly101]

I find the Wolfpack fascinating.

[@debboyea9567]

Katherine Abando I do too!

[@Girlshushyourmouthtv]

Me too

[@whiqeddik7615]

Wolfpacks go out and about, this here is a opossums litter. Confrontation is healthy, it's the way.

[@laurelbenedetti8089]

As do I!

[@Latecomer_sunshine]

Where's his sister now?

[@stevenkirmes]

Their mother managed to teach them nurture them and show them to be respectful they aren't violent like most kids neglected I'm not a fan of their mom but I know even with all her possible issues she obvious did something right she educated them

[@schmiddy1998]

she was in fear of their dad just as much as they were, and restricted even more, she did what she felt she could.

[@apoxapex]

Steven Kirmes if it wasn't for their mother, they possibly wouldn't have conjured up the passions they all seem to thrive off. Without their love for movies, and high spirits of curiosity these kids could well and truly gone insane

[@akesalomu1025]

Steven Kirmes

[@Ta77k1dd]

apoxapex

[@Beach1991]

I love how you think you know them hahahaha

[@DavieMDianco]

For someone who was confined in an apartment for 14 years, he truly is a good speaker. I mean, I've been out there but I can't even say hi to someone at a party.

[@tammy6856]

LOL you are hilarious!

[@MzSuzy2698]

Davie Dianco Neither can I.You’re in good company.

[@n.c.1201]

After 20 years outside of his apartment with experiences with others he may end up the same way as you. Lol

[@artisticagi]

The mom said something that stuck with me in the documentary. She said a lot of the socialization in school is negative socialization. Having 6 other siblings, he had a lot of people to interact with so even though they were isolated, they were isolated together. They don’t have memories of being bullied, being called weird, so it makes sense that he is so well spoken, confident, and friendly.

[@renataostertag6051]

@@artisticagi 10,000 % correct. Most schools are toxic for kids.

[@AbyssCrawler]

For not taking to regular people for a long time he has no problem talking in front of a crowd

[@mikan1998ful]

He has seven siblings.

[@Zhinoi]

6

[@indiecloud100]

AwesoMESS siblings are different tho, it's easy to speak your mind in front of family

[@mikan1998ful]

To be fair this was probably 6 years after they were discovered.

[@blackpearl3594]

that was years ago when he first got out of the house. He said in this video that he didnt have any idea to speak to regular people, he even wont talk to the police. thats why he got hospitalized

[@hanamichisakuragi6233]

The fact that his pronunciations are better that the teenagers running around in schools.

[@ttaammiikkaa]

Lol!

[@ttaammiikkaa]

I can’t stop laughing!

[@yallomelli4799]

hanamichi sakuragi they have to watch more movies

[@markjames3132]

Amen

[@alexlawson23]

He was raised watching movies so its not surprising

[@xjake07x]

Tough crowd...

[@xjake07x]

Anyone.

[@toyotaskyline7027]

Jacob Sedgwick yes indeed

[@alexanderleeart]

no I think it's just that there isn't a microphone for it

[@Lisargarza]

I think you're right, Alexander Lee. The crowd response was paltry at best. Hoping it was just a technical matter that we couldn't hear the house. That young man was amazing.

[@OP-1000]

Maybe they are just in awe.

[@kata2653]

MUKUNDA means "Giver of freedom"

[@crzyrdr]

He lived up to his name. He helped to free his siblings

[@marianasolorio8420]

And he did

[@gardeniac.3782]

People say that someone's name defines their essence or something like that

[@JohanaIPango]

@@gardeniac.3782 I'm thinking where they are now .. its 2019

[@NotAnYoutubeChannel]

Whaaaaaaaaattt

[@taniamaria3991]

All of the children are such beautiful souls.

[@vibrantlotus8154]

100%

[@GR-hy3tf]

200% to the moon and back!

[@norasrianurbocah5015]

They are. Very touching me

[@junjunmacam2894]

its the moms genes

[@efkellymortensen]

It's obvious his mothers love for him and his siblings kept them sane xoxo

[@amanrasid3302]

his face like native american or indian. maybe his father was scared by white people

[@luna.1409]

@@amanrasid3302 his father is Peruvian, so yeah basically he is half indigenous, I agree I think his father was probably scared of the outside world himself, just a little too protective of his family.....

[@doberman1ism]

The power of imagination is a personal magnet to your own freedom.

[@mikan1998ful]

You have no idea.

[@JohnSmith-up5hh]

Aidah Di Leoni lol freedom my ass,he's talking like staying confined for 14 years in an apartment is a big deal.There are guys doing 50-60 years in the slammer who just dont give a fuck.

[@vickylawrence3958]

John Smith You are truly clueless aren't you????

[@dj_poopypants]

Actually, I would say that's a prison.

[@crystalpatrick7589]

I agree. Insightful phrasing 🙂

[@ebonypegasus9864]

He's really amazing! He's really an incredible person! His words and story are so inspiring.

[@silverlion]

I love the way he looks at the world!!

[@pollosyaipen]

silverlion with his eyes 👀

[@rebeccagutierrez1401]

silverlion Maybe being away from the world was a favor done to him.

[@howlcastle7101]

silverlion I love the way you look 😏

[@cindyayt]

Apart from the fucked up fact that he was confined for 14years, he's turned out to be such a smart, confident and positive young man. A lot of respect for that, wish all the best for him and his brothers.

[@rastafari3028]

Cindy. because they werent exposed to the evils and influences of the outside world to confuse them on who they really are.

[@avab7868]

lmao they spent all of their time watching rated r movies. they were educated by their mother, the non abusive adult in the household. what a crazy shitty thing to write. do you really think it's healthy to lock a child up for years?

[@cindyayt]

I think you misread what I said. Locking up a child is not acceptable. Yeh it was a horrible situation for him to go through, but I'm saying despite this happening to him he developed into a smart and confident person and it's commendable that he is moving forward with life in such a positive manner.

[@omgakm123]

How are these guys so normal and socially adjusted?!

[@superlasse2468]

He's had questions posed to him by several reporters and been on shows discussing his experiences.

[@KanjoosMakhichoos]

First, I guarantee you that they were not initially normal when they were first let out. As the speaker mentioned, he was completely silent and unable to speak when he went outside for the first time. Second, it's not like they didn't know what a normal conversation felt like. They've been watching movies since birth. It's just that they didn't have experience socializing themselves. With a little bit of practice, I think they were able to gradually improve their social skills and appear outwardly normal.

[@kunit2010]

Because they learned how to be socially acceptable from movies...as explained

[@uyoebyik]

They turned out better than kids who went to school and were influenced by peer pressure and allowed to run the streets too young

[@Nan-Elle]

Almost like they are trained actors who are used to being in front of people. The movies served them well! They are amazing. God bless their lives.

[@김유진-s4w]

I like the way how he thinks. He is special

[@LED1512]

Can this guy become a great director? I hope so.

[@rahla53]

He already is, making short films=

[@FourLetterGT]

Now this is a man. Much respect my friend..

[@jawsmayobanico]

It's amazing how he can now speak in public despite of what he and his siblings had gone through. A brave heart emulates in this man's persona. Godspeed to you and your family!

[@candygirl6613]

This is mind blowing. I've heard some of his other brothers share their experience, and they all have more insight and understanding about the world and human relationships than most people who have lived a "normal" life. The most important thing is, they are all really GOOD kids...polite, accepting, articulate. I have no doubt they will go very, very far in life.

[@ayuaa8944]

Can you give the link

[@sheilapocknett7182]

i so agree!. Their mom was their queen and taught them maybe better than if they were out there in sociaty in the traditional class room. Altough she drew up in the deep country, she is and was very intelligent and impressed them on her children.

[@peacepathseeker7920]

I love how authentic, genuine and amazing he is. Very beautiful heart and kind spirited young man.

[@norasrianurbocah5015]

He looks so natural like mother earth

[@narutorandomness457]

What a kind and well spoken man, I really enjoyed his story as well as his bravery.

[@MrAtaguas]

Someone locked in their apartment for 15 years (the first and only 15 years) of their lives and having never talked to strangers needs to really make big strides to confidently & coherently talk to a big audience without any display of nerves ... hell I couldn't do it without showing some nerves and I do presentations at work all the time ... So I gotta say Bravo! I wonder if his isolation helped him really separate himself from fear of socializing and self-doubt?

[@maya9388]

MrAtaguas I think so. Him and his brothers seem to all be very confident when they speak and I think it's because even though they were in isolation they had each other and never saw it as a negative thing until they got old enough to realize they should be able to leave

[@uyoebyik]

I think going to school and peer pressure probably ruins kids more than being kept inside

[@matinka7018]

Locked for 15 years and the world goes crazy by the CORONA Lockdown!!! We have to appreciate the freedom we have. 🌺

[@robertof.s.7491]

In opinion, he has no doubt or fear because he has never felt the pressure of having to "fit in" or "belonging". Most people live their lives trying to be part of the crowd. That we become self conscious about everything we do and make ourselves doubt and fear.

[@arielbrooks5636]

He's so adorable 😊

[@ColorFusical]

yes he's kinda cute •-•

[@LVX777]

I just finished watching the 20/20 special and this has to be the most inspirational story I have ever seen. I've gone through similar stuff (reclusive and violent father) and it's awesome to see well spoken, intelligent young men. It truely opened my eyes to the gift that is freedom and how we should all tap into that creativity that we have all lost along the way. I wish you all the best of luck and I hope to meet you all someday and jam out to some Iron Maiden. Cheers! The best has yet to come.

[@missdemon92]

Lux Occulto omg i can relate so much and have a controlling parent, not allowed to do things my own. they are truly inspirational to people like us since others won't be able to understand whats it really like.

[@madambutterflynz1804]

It might be that he experienced a different type of violence that didn't work on your ability to create

[@acer4237]

Same here, what a relief when we break those chains. You get such an appreciation for the little things..There are a lot of Wolfpack out there, not exact story…sometimes not as bad or sometimes worst 😕

[@onelove6971]

@@missdemon92 yes your parents have to be controlling. It’s their God given right otherwise you become a wayward out of control freak! With no discipline.

[@mimimi5656]

I don't know why, but i feel so great and happy for him :) He is an amazing human being and all of his siblings and mother also... I love them all

[@amybess]

if you go on instagram, he has a gf. a really pretty one.

[@xochitlcalderon2717]

Your mother is a strong woman 🙏

[@theresagraham5893]

He is so beautiful inside and out. He was born to live through this journey and come out on top. The Lord had his hand in this the whole time. Lucky lady that gets to marry him.

[@veronica400]

This kid is so genuine! After all he has endured, listen to his peace! What a brave young man, sharing his story with the entire existence for the good. Bravo! I applaud you.

[@IsabellaDaCunha]

this family is so inspiring, i can't even put into words how much their story touched me

[@Jonalisa754]

Me too!! Just bawled my eyes out!

[@EllietheCatholic]

What an outspoken individual.

[@lilykrizhevskiy59]

He is a wonderful boy♡

[@Supreme_AK-47]

they seem like they'd be chill to have a conversation with. just talk about our favorite movies, what scenes were good what scenes could use improvements. shit like that

[@ConorsHead]

This dude is awesome and his family's story is sad but these boys are heroes and true examples of the human will . imagine

[@mommaseesall4270]

What a gift of generosity Mukunda has shared so freely, elegantly expressed thru his personal life story showing me how his imagination kept him grounded thru a tragic life circumstance. Thank you Mukunda ! You rock!

[@pritch8918]

These kids are so special! ❤️ There is nothing abnormal about them. They are even more so full of life, zist and confident

[@adlar2005]

Wishing the wolfback all of my best!

[@xchief661]

The wolfpack kids are incredible kids! In some respects their father saved them from the world around them but let them be a part of it through those movies. Im not saying that what he did was right. These kids are just geniouses. There life has been hard but just look at them now. What a blessing they are. They turned out amazing sweet and total gentlemen. Alot of girls are gonna be so lucky to be a part of their lives and love them.

[@homesteadwannabee4253]

It's impressive what you and your brothers have achieved. I found a 6 minute you tube video 20/20 did way back when and stayed up really late to watch it all, the documentary and this, your Ted talk, to see what became of you all. I'm so glad I did. Blessings~

[@oGaLaCTiCo]

wait till he discovers netflix...

[@mikeworden6026]

CanTheCaroKann Win and chill

[@jinxt4768]

Owler Lol 😉😆🤗😃

[@miajones2731]

they already did

[@leahphyfer2139]

Galactus cant wait until Netflix discovers HIM

[@DimaEgorovRU]

Galactus Yes

[@stirfryjedi]

What truly impresses me is his sense of a mental ward stay as "freedom". To the rest of us, that itself would be a form of imprisonment...

[@aliciabrillante]

This story is so incredible and I’m happy that he is living out his dreams! God bless him and his family.

[@sunshine-yr4qw]

His way of expressing himself is amazing, hard to believe he was locked up for years without outside contact, he is so well spoken, better than me, better than any person I know after finishing years of schooling. Great speech.

[@napriaa5175]

These boys are just AMAZING omg. I’m obsessed with their story, I’d die to meet them ❤️. They’re so strong and kind, they’ve gone through so much and deserve so much out of life. I pray they smile and laugh and just LIVE.

[@dianneacaso7820]

Among the angulo brothers, he’s my favorite!

[@camilat8268]

this needs more views I love the ángulo brothers they're so inspiring

[@stephaniethomas1926]

just saw the 20/20 special on these young me . Truly inspiring!!!

[@judyholiday653]

This guy could be the next mega movie director or producer just give him time to truly, get his feet firmly planted on the ground. Just saying....

[@RICO_SUAVE_86_]

Judy Holiday it’s crazy because I was thinking the exact same thing 🤔

[@aandwdabest]

This kid is amazing........ He and the rest used the very limited resources to do the most imaginable thing possible.

[@jviarruel]

Mukunda I am very proud of you... you are liberated... love to you and the pact.

[@glassXmoon]

It's so great how they turned a bad situation into the best. This really speaks to me on a personal level due to the abuse I used to go through growing up and having to make my own escape through drawing and writing.

[@shiwan45]

I really hope these boys grow up and have a great life and when they have kids of their own lives and explore the world and live happily ever after

[@everythingfangirl4532]

I want to see those reenactments. This is so incredibly powerful. Imagination is indeed the greatest force we have. It defies science. We will always have power so long as we retain our imaginations.

[@carolinecantelmo49]

I have become a great friend of Makunda and his wonderful family .They are such a warm and great family . I have learned and been so inspired by them .

[@0cean.Sun.]

Blown away & speechless by this story & his family. The power is positivity & imagination & believe in the house had to be enormous. Beautiful.

[@BerthyNora]

WOW "I tasted freedom from the first time in my life" inside the psychiatric ward. 8:55. We take so much for granted!

[@toyotaskyline7027]

the audience is cringe af

[@kodiejc4202]

Toyota Skyline ikr its just a ted talk. get involved or cheer a little. this guy is funny as.

[@PittyDonut]

I think his mic just isn't picking it up.

[@hafsobered8317]

Kodie Jc

[@juggernautcanuk9320]

Toyota Skyline 6:46 are you sure

[@Signal_light_instructor]

Toyota Skyline why do you think that

[@jennifermiller8244]

You and your brothers are the results of your dad’s over protection!!! Give thanks to your dad because the real world is a hard one!!! YOU GUYS HAD AN EASY AND COMFORTABLE LIFE !!! BELIEVE IT OR NOT !!!👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀

[@cindycrespo4822]

He’s Just So Amazing & Smart. Especially Being Locked Away In Your Place For 14 Years! Inspirational ‼️💪🏻 Hope He Decided To Live Everything He Ever Imagine 🤞🏻🙌🏻😍

[@paradiseandlove]

It's wonderful how he chose not to become bitter, depressed or vengeful. What a real role model.

[@jayglez1338]

I love how he describes Halloween... it's the one time of the year when you can be creative

[@MyKellyTaylor]

Absolutely amazing young men. I needed this paradigm shift. I can open my front door.

[@ceputehching-ching1503]

They are so strong internally after so much constraints in their life he remain articulate confidence & full of positivity...need to learn this from them...never let others define your happiness what ever it is..

[@YeseniaFraireluuvergirl]

The last two minutes had me in tears!! So beautiful!

[@chanelchanel._]

Insta?

[@reyindig9020]

Good job Mukunda! Congratulations to you and your siblings!

[@erikam4696]

I really like your genuineness , your story is very inspirational, and I am very glad that you and your family could get what they deserve.

[@joycesayson4186]

He is so good! After all what they have been through.. He is really an inspiration to us! Kudos to their mom for raising such an intelligent boy inspite of not exposed to the outside world!

[@RabbitTeaPot]

Honestly the fact these kids became such great men is a miracle becuase what they’ve suffered is unimaginable. They are inherently good…& despite my feelings about their mothers choices it is down to her that they’ve turned out like this. I really,really hope all of them & their sister have the best lives ever going forward. 💜💜

[@rockingraven1413]

Wow, that is my new mantra. You all are simply amazing. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@m-o-l]

Not one "Like" "Like" "Like". The way too many young people cannot speak today without saying the word "Like" every third word. Bravo 👍

[@ladyfreedomsrawnarratives]

What an amazing talk. Inspiring and courageous. This man and his mother and siblings are the meaning of bravery and love.

[@b.h.r.6866]

You can tie my hands and legs, cover my mouth and eyes, but you will never take my mind and heart from me. NEVER.

[@manichairdo6346]

Brilliant. I walked into a bank wearing a mask. Fun-nee! Wonderfully articulate young man.

[@ylia17268]

What a handsome intelligent boy..wauw! He is a natural speaker...

[@firegirl97]

awesome story! of imagination and destiny. Life can go so many ways for all of us but it is how you take things and go on with them that can make everything positive , I hope to see movies from the wolf pack in the future! Very inspiring.

[@keekai5517]

g

[@frankworkman9000]

He is so intelligent for being in a home for so many years and never left

[@lovingmayberry2000]

So much respect for this guy and his brothers!! 💙

[@nievictoria7]

THE HUMAN MIND IS A PLACE . The fact that he was able to give me encouragement by using a Michael Myers example is 🔥🔥👆🏽🙏🏾💯

[@maxtecc1400]

All my respect, so inspiring. I couldn't stop thinking about the similarities between their story and Rapunzel's. Love it.

[@ruzavidojevic2931]

Thank You ....Mukunda....Thank u......

[@desisuresmi1973]

for someone who has been trapped almost in his whole life, this dude is totally briliant..even normal people would have hard time to talk infront of the crowd..

[@joaquinpraveenvishnu8509]

He is amazing and beautiful boy. This is perfection. Great imagination, great story teller and personality...I wished i would meet a beautiful guy like him and marry in the future

[@34goofylucy]

I wonder if there were anything positive from their dad that they got. Clearly their mother taught them well. It’s amazing how well rounded they are

[@jasminflower3814]

Your imagination is your freedom! Thank you ;-)

[@RoninMilli]

I don't think anyone can talk for this family... No one went through it but them. I respect them for forgiving their parents.

[@nataliapalovcak9379]

Your father blessed your life with a childhood filled with movies and imagination. No distractions from the world.

[@altertheskyy1]

i kind of feel like the father's fucked up ideas about control and parenting actually turned out to work in a positive way on these kids. even though they suffered they turned out for the better. they haven't been polluted by fucked up society.

[@Greetingsfriends915]

What you're saying here is pretty much the base to the idea that their father had and I don't think it's fair on these siblings to show any form of support to that idea, nor is it healthy. It's fucking insane. Good parents don't need to lock their kids in their apartment to keep them from being "polluted by society".

[@kellybills2987]

Their mother was the one who helped them become extraordinary people along with the movies.

[@DJMPTV]

altertheskyy1 Nyjah Hustons dad did the same thing and the kids one the best skateboarders in the world, also Michael Jacksons dad groomed the kid to be the best performer in the world and he was, in his case he just got fucked up after pepsi lit his head on fire. But your right. Its a gift n the curse.

[@avab7868]

I've seen several people in this comments write similar things about the kids ("Clearly they're Dad did something right") Pretty terrifying to see people hear a story about abuse and attribute the triumphing story to the abuser.

[@eveningdim7167]

+Ava B I know, right? These people try to see some good in their abuse. And it's like no, fuck you, this should have never happened to them.

[@themechaniacal1558]

Amazingly articulate. When applied properly there is no equal to home schooling.

[@damiencrowley5039]

I love the Wolfpack.

[@merphmain6443]

What an incredible story! So sorry for the daily suffering you and your siblings experienced. You left that torment with grace and are sharing your magic with the world. If this is the only space we hold together, I’d like to say thank you for the inspiration. 🙏

[@jenlis527]

This shows you that HUMANITY still exists in the world.

[@carolharley2180]

Just love you! What an amazing person you are and your family are! Wow . Thank goodness for your mother she is a guardian angel.

[@melindashenker3075]

Wow,He is amazing,such a good speaker. without knowing what he and his brothers went through .He seems to be a well Educated young man.

[@HardyGirl66]

I only found out about this story a month ago. These boys were so brave, and so smart and so creative. There are many people who would have been completely messed up by these experiences. It's the kind of story you hear about on the evening news; teen breaks out after being controlled for his entire life and kills his father. That's what this story could have turned into. But Mukunda and his brothers chose to turn one of the most negative experiences possible into something positive. They are true heroes and I admire them very much.

[@jenlis527]

HardyGirl66 - I agree.

[@tierrapetersen4651]

This touched my heart. Thank you, this is very inspiring to me.

[@karenstrong8546]

The amazing thing is that this family are so happy and healthy in spite of being in a confined world .. a handsome family ... quiet amazing

[@LeoFiaDeBorbon]

YOUR IMAGINATION IS YOUR FREEDOM....love it!

[@Misanthr6py]

god, love this young man!!

[@brittanylee2024]

the more and more we learn about these guys the more fascinating their story becomes