Few films shook independent cinema in the 1990s like Larry Clark’s ‘Kids’ in 1994. It was written by the great Harmony Korine and shot on the streets of New York City, the film documented the chaos, recklessness, and vulnerability of youth culture in a way that felt more like real life than fiction.

Almost the entire cast, with the exception of Chloë Sevigny, had no prior acting experience. This rawness is exactly what made Kids feel so immediate, so unfiltered, and so haunting. Clark scouted real NYC teenagers through skateparks, street corners, and open calls, capturing a snapshot of a generation coming of age in the mid-90s.

Sunday’s we love to do throwback stories and this one felt right today as we slowly drift from Summer into Fall. So we’re sharing rare archival material from the film’s origins: the original casting call flyer and a series of behind-the-scenes polaroids that document the earliest days of production. From Sevigny’s breakout presence to Rosario Dawson’s first steps into acting, these images are a time capsule of a film that continues to resonate, provoke, and divide to this day.

Images are shared here for archival and educational/editorial purposes only. All rights remain with their original copyright holders.