DOCLANDS 2022

PLEASE REGISTER FOR ALL IN-THEATER SCREENINGS BY APRIL 15 IN ORDER TO SECURE YOUR SEATS.

HOW TO REGISTER:

Review the complete list of DocLands Education programs below, and select the films you would like your class(es) to view.
Click on the REGISTER NOW button, and fill out the form to let us know your film selections and how many students will take part.
You may choose more than one film, but you must fill out a separate registration form for each one.
Once we receive your registration(s), we will contact you to confirm the details of your order, finalize any in-theater screening times, and assist with any additional details or questions.

No trailer available

BOYCOTT

ONLINE ONLY: Available to schools anywhere in the US

GRADES 9-12

Suggested Subject Areas: U.S. History, Social Studies, Law, Journalism, Civics, Politics, Government, World History

When a news publisher in Arkansas, an attorney in Arizona, and a speech therapist in Texas are told they must choose between their jobs and their political beliefs, they launch legal battles that expose an attack on freedom of speech across 33 states in America. Boycott traces the impact of state legislation designed to penalize individuals and companies that choose to boycott Israel due to its human rights record. Boycott is a bracing look at the far-reaching implications of anti-boycott legislation and an inspiring tale of everyday Americans standing up to protect our rights in an age of shifting politics and threats to freedom of speech. Director Julia Bacha | US 2021 | 73 min

The online screening includes a pre-recorded conversation with director Julia Bacha.

Click image to view trailer

CARBON: THE UNAUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY

ONLINE ONLY: Available to schools in California only

GRADES 6-12

Suggested Subject Areas: Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Environmental Science

This documentary demystifies the most talked about but least understood element on earth, reveling in its omnipresent complexities. Carbon is personified as a woman—voiced by Sarah Snook of HBO’s Succession—who serves as the film’s central narrator. Interviews with passionate scientists (including Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson) are intermingled with imaginative animation, archival footage, and exquisite shots of plant and human life. The film explores carbon’s role in everything from star formation to global warming and photosynthesis, as the filmmakers paint a lyrical picture of the interconnectivity of all living things. Directors Niobe Thompson & Daniella Ortega | Australia/Canada 2021 | 86 min

The online screening includes a pre-recorded conversation with director Niobe Thompson.

This film is also part of our year-round Environmental Youth Forum

Click image to view trailer

EXPOSURE

ONLINE: Available to schools in California only
IN THEATER: Friday, May 6 | 10:00-11:45am

GRADES 7-12

Suggested Subject Areas: Women’s Studies, World Cultures, Social Studies, Environmental Science

As the Arctic polar ice cap melts, reaching the North Pole has become increasingly dangerous. But an expedition of women from the Arab World and Europe, led by explorer Felicity Aston, strap on their skis and pull their sledges true North, determined to succeed against all odds and polar advice. Filmmaker Holly Morris and an all-women crew document this daring and unprecedented group as they navigate everything from frostbite and polar bear threats, to sexism and self-doubt in an intimate story of resilience, survival, and global citizenry—in what may be the last-ever over-ice expedition to the top of the world. Director Holly Morris | US 2022 | 88 min

Note: This film contains some mild profanity

The online screening includes a pre-recorded conversation with director Holly Morris.

The in-theater screening will include a live Q&A with impact producer Melissa Fondakowski.

Both screenings will also include a special behind-the-scenes short film about the making of Exposure.

Click image to view trailer

LET THE LITTLE LIGHT SHINE

ONLINE: Available to schools in California only
IN THEATER: Thursday, May 5 | 9:30-11:30am

GRADES 6-12

Suggested Subject Areas: Social Studies, Peer Resources

A high-achieving elementary school just south of downtown Chicago is a lifeline for Black children—until gentrification threatens its closure. Let the Little Light Shine tells the story of the parents, teachers, administrators, and students of Chicago’s National Teachers Academy who join forces in an effort to save their school. This riveting documentary captures the struggle to save NTA through all its highs and lows—introducing us to charismatic young leaders taking a stand to protect their academic futures. Director Kevin Shaw | US 2022 | 87 min

The online screening includes a pre-recorded conversation with director Kevin Shaw, producer Rachel Dickson, and film subject Isaac Castelaz.

The in-theater screening will include a live Q&A with director Kevin Shaw, producer Rachel Dickson, and film subjects Elisabeth Greer and Isaac Castelaz.

Click image to view trailer

OUR WORDS COLLIDE

ONLINE: Available to schools anywhere in the U.S.
IN THEATER: Friday, May 6 | 9:00-11:00am

GRADES 6-12

Suggested Subject Areas: Arts, Literature, Language Arts, Poetry, Peer Resources

This affirming documentary explores the power of spoken word through the voices of five Black and brown L.A. high schoolers. The film follows the poets as they navigate their final year of high school, exploring many of the challenges facing young people today—including identity and expression, transitioning into adulthood, overcoming mental health issues, and living through a pandemic—through the unique prism of their poetry. The film blends intimate footage shot by the students with stylized poetry performances and animation, creating a rich tapestry that brings their stories to life. This inspiring coming-of-age story showcases young people finding their voices, having the courage to share their message, and demonstrating the positive impact their art has on their lives. Directors Jordan W. Barrow & Matt Edwards | US 2021 | 95 min

The online screening includes a pre-recorded conversation with directors Jordan Barrow and Matt Edwards.

The in-theater screening will include a live Q&A with directors Jordan Barrow and Matt Edwards.

Click image to view trailer

PANTERAS, LIVING AMONG WILD CATS

ONLINE: Available to schools in California
IN THEATER: Monday, May 9 | 10:00am-12:00pm

GRADES 5-12

Suggested Subject Areas: Arts/Photography, Environmental Science, World Cultures

Take a trek with a National Geographic wildlife photographer and his teenage son Unai as they journey to majestic landscapes across the globe in search of the last great big cats, including the Mato Grosso jaguar, the Patagonian cougar, the Rajasthani tiger, and the ever-elusive snow leopard of the Himalayas. Filmed across four continents—and over the course of several pivotal years in Unai’s young adulthood—we get up close to these magnificent creatures, both human and wild. At the heart of this nature documentary/coming-of-age story is the connection between father and son and the creative spirit from which they both find artistic inspiration. Director Andoni Canela | Spain 2021 | 99 min | In Spanish with English subtitles

This film is also part of our year-round Environmental Youth Forum

The online screening includes a pre-recorded conversation with director Andoni Canela and his son and fellow film subject Unai Canela.

The in-theater screening will include a live Zoom Q&A with film subject Unai Canela.

No trailer available

THE TERRITORY

ONLINE ONLY: Available to schools anywhere in the U.S.

GRADES 9-12

Suggested Subject Areas: Environmental Science, Social Studies

The Territory is a visually lush and gripping portrait of the Indigenous Uru-eu-wau-wau people and their heroic efforts to fend off illegal land grabs in the Amazon during the reign of right-wing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Deftly navigating the complex environmental, cultural and political issues at stake, filmmaker Alex Pritz also shares the perspectives of local farmers trying to form a settlement in the area and a group of homesteaders determined to clear-cut the forest before anyone can stop them. The film demonstrates the material and emotional costs of deforestation in the world’s largest tropical Rainforest. Director Alex Pritz | US 2020 | 90 min | In Portuguese with English subtitles Note: This film contains some mild profanity

This film is also part of our year-round Environmental Youth Forum

The online screening includes a pre-recorded conversation with director Alex Pritz.

SHORT DOCS: IDENTITY + EMPOWERMENT

TOTAL PROGRAM 85 MIN | GRADES 6-12

ONLINE: Available to schools anywhere in the U.S.
IN THEATER: THURSDAY, MAY 5 | 12:00 – 2:00pm

Click images to view trailers

Suggested Subject Areas: World Cultures, Native American Studies, Law, Peer Resources

WALLS CANNOT KEEP US FROM FLYING
Two Palestinian youth from the West Bank seek personal freedom through skateboarding while growing up under occupation.
Director Jonathan Mehring | US 2021 | 12 min | In Arabic with English subtitles

INTO THE CIRCLE
Into the Circle tells the story of a resilient Indigenous family, their journey through life-altering tragedy, and the community that helped them reconnect with their Lakota heritage.
Directors Meg Griffiths & Scott Faris | US 2021 | 17 min

BECOMING BLACK LAWYERS
Five young Black lawyers share their lived experiences of being Black in predominantly White law schools, providing thoughtful insight into the significance of Blackness in law school and what it means to become a Black lawyer.
Director Evangeline M. Mitchell | US 2021 | 19 min

GAME HAWKER
For Shawn Hayes, the ancient practice of falconry is more than a deep partnership with raptors: It’s become his life’s work. Through his skill and finesse, he’s carved a space for himself in a culture where people of color haven’t always been welcome.
Directors Brett Marty & Joshua Izenberg | US 2022 | 30 min
Note: This film contains some mild profanity

The online screening includes a pre-recorded conversation with all of the films’ directors.

The in-theater screening will include a live Q&A with director Joshua Izenberg (Game Hawker) and other guests TBA.

DOCLANDS EDUCATION IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM

BOYCOTT

CARBON: THE UNAUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY

EXPOSURE

LET THE LITTLE LIGHT SHINE

OUR WORDS COLLIDE

PANTERAS, LIVING AMONG WILD CATS

THE TERRITORY

SHORT DOCS: IDENTITY + EMPOWERMENT

NANCY P. AND RICHARD K. ROBBINS FAMILY FOUNDATION

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