Documentaries on School Education

Description: Set in a Parisian school, this film follows a year in the life of a teacher and his diverse class. It provides an authentic look at the daily challenges and rewards of teaching in an urban environment.

Fact: The film is based on the autobiographical novel by François Bégaudeau, who also stars as the teacher. It won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Description: This film takes a hard look at the American public education system, focusing on the lottery system for charter schools and the impact of teacher unions. It's a poignant exploration of the hope and despair surrounding education reform.

Fact: The title refers to the idea that many parents are waiting for a 'superman' to save the education system. The film was nominated for a Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival.

Description: This documentary challenges traditional education models by showcasing High Tech High, a school that focuses on project-based learning, preparing students for the real world rather than standardized tests.

Fact: The film has been screened at numerous education conferences and has influenced educational policy discussions. It features insights from educational innovators like Tony Wagner.

Description: This film follows the journey of Mohammad Hussein, a young Afghan boy, as he navigates the challenges of education in a war-torn country. It's a testament to the resilience of students in adverse conditions.

Fact: The film was part of the "Why Poverty?" documentary series, which aimed to explore global poverty issues.

Description: This documentary examines the lives of four teachers, highlighting the challenges they face in the classroom and the impact of their work on students. It's a call to action for better support for educators.

Fact: The film was produced by the same team behind "Waiting for Superman." It includes interviews with notable figures like Bill Gates and Michelle Rhee.

Description: Exploring Finland's education system, this documentary reveals why Finnish students consistently rank at the top of international education assessments. It's an eye-opener on how different approaches can yield impressive results.

Fact: The film was directed by Tony Wagner, an expert on education reform. It has been used in teacher training programs worldwide.

Description: Set in New York City, this documentary examines the stark contrast between students at a public school and those at a luxury high-rise school across the street, highlighting issues of class and education inequality.

Fact: The film was directed by Marc Levin, known for his work on social issues. It was featured at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Description: This documentary follows eight competitors in the National Spelling Bee, showcasing the dedication and pressure these young students face. It's a heartwarming look at the pursuit of excellence in education.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It also inspired the creation of the TV show "Akeelah and the Bee."

Description: A response to "Waiting for Superman," this documentary offers a different perspective on education reform, focusing on the complexities and nuances often overlooked in mainstream discussions.

Fact: It was produced by the National Education Association, providing a counter-narrative to the original film's portrayal of teacher unions.

Description: This film critiques the global spread of Western-style education, questioning its impact on indigenous cultures and traditional knowledge systems. It's a thought-provoking look at the unintended consequences of educational globalization.

Fact: The film was produced by Lost People Films, known for their focus on cultural preservation. It has sparked numerous discussions on educational imperialism.