Montclair Film Impact Series
Impact Series
Curated Film Experiences for Grades 6 – 12
Montclair Film’s educators have curated an impactful selection of films aimed at stimulating dialogue on pivotal social issues across STEM, civics and government, social justice, media literacy and more! . Each screening is complemented by a discussion session, where students have the unique opportunity to converse directly with filmmakers or subject matter experts. These discussions are designed to enhance comprehension, foster critical thinking, and promote meaningful dialogue.
Film screening dates are customizable for groups of 50 or more, with special screenings also available throughout the year!
| Film Title | Themes/Topics Covered |
Grades |
| Majority Rules | Electoral Reform, Ranked-Choice Voting, Political Campaigns, Civic Engagement, Systemic Dysfunction |
9-12 |
| Common Ground | Regenerative Farming, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Climate Change, Ecological Responsibility |
9-12 |
| The Social Dilemma | Media Literacy, Technology Ethics, Mental Health, Social Media Impact, Privacy Concerns, Algorithmic Bias |
9-12 |
| A Million Miles Away | Immigration, Resilience, Space Exploration, Diversity in STEM, Socio-Emotional Learning |
6-12 |
| Good Night Oppy | STEM, Robotics, Space Exploration, Engineering |
6-12 |
| The YouTube Effect | Media Literacy, Social Justice, Current Events, Science and Technology |
10-12 |
| The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind |
Social Justice, Alternative Energy, Environmental Studies, Community Resilience, Innovation |
6-12 |
Film Descriptions
Majority Rules
Special Pre-Election Day Screening: 10/30/24!
Majority Rules tackles two of our nation’s most pressing questions: How did the American electoral system become so dysfunctional, and is it possible that changing the way we vote might transform our entire system for the better? This film follows Alaska’s groundbreaking attempt to reform its electoral process, offering a case study in ranked-choice voting and its implications for democracy.
Themes include: Electoral Reform, Ranked-Choice Voting, Political Campaigns, Democratic Processes, Voter Representation, Civic Engagement, Public Policy, Systemic Dysfunction, Election Integrity, Bipartisanship
Key Questions and Curriculum Connections
Common Ground
Special Earth Day Screening: 4/22/25
Common Ground explores the transformative power of regenerative farming and its role in revitalizing landscapes, combating climate change, and promoting sustainable food systems. The documentary features pioneering farmers and scientists who use sustainable practices to restore soil, enhance biodiversity, and significantly reduce carbon footprints. It also delves into how our food choices impact the planet, providing a compelling resource for high school teachers to inspire discussions on ecological responsibility and the critical role of agriculture in sustaining our planet.
Themes include: Regenerative Farming, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Climate Change, Ecological Responsibility, Economic Impact of Agriculture, Food Security, Ethical Land Use, Innovation in Agriculture, Community Activism and Engagement, Science and Policy Intersection
Key Questions and Curriculum Connections
The Social Dilemma
Special Screening: 12/10/24
The Social Dilemma is a gripping documentary that explores the profound effects of social media on our society. Through interviews with former employees of tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Twitter, the film reveals the manipulative algorithms driving these platforms. It highlights the significant impact on mental health, democracy, and societal norms, posing critical questions about the role of technology in our lives.
Themes include: Media Literacy, Technology Ethics, Mental Health, Digital Addiction, Privacy Concerns, Social Engineering, Data Exploitation, Misinformation, Corporate Responsibility, Social Media Impact, Algorithmic Bias, Surveillance Capitalism, Human Behavior Manipulation, Cybersecurity
Key Questions and Curriculum Connections
A Million Miles Away
Special Screening: 11/13/24
A Million Miles Away is an inspiring film that tells the true story of José Hernández, a Mexican-American farmworker who overcame significant obstacles to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut. This narrative not only highlights the importance of perseverance and resilience but also provides an in-depth look at what it takes to train at NASA and become an astronaut.
Themes include: Immigration and Identity, Resilience and Perseverance, Space Exploration and Training, Diversity and Inclusion in STEM, Socio-Emotional Learning
Key Questions and Curriculum Connections
Good Night Oppy
Good Night Oppy brings the thrilling journey to Mars and the bond between the Mars rover Opportunity and NASA engineers to life. This cinematic experience immerses students in the excitement and challenges of space exploration, fostering an interest in STEM careers and showcasing the human side of scientific endeavors.
Themes include: STEM, Robotics, Space Exploration, Engineering
Recommended Grades: 6-12
Key Questions and Curriculum Connections
The YouTube Effect
The YouTube Effect delves into the rapid rise of YouTube and its transformation into a dominant global media platform, reshaping access to news, entertainment, and information. While it has enriched our lives, it also raises concerns about the propagation of misinformation and dangerous ideologies. This documentary offers a critical look at the challenges and responsibilities of our technology-driven era.
Themes include: Media Literacy, Social Justice, Current Events, Science and Technology
Key Questions and Curriculum Connections
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind tells the true story of William Kamkwamba, the young Malawian boy who built a windmill entirely through DIY methods to save his family and village from drought and famine. Navigating life’s challenges, William’s unique bond with nature becomes a symbol of resilience, friendship, and the limitless potential of human creativity. The film is a visually stunning and heartwarming exploration of overcoming adversity, forging connections, and utilizing available resources to create a sustainable, renewable energy source.
Themes include: Social Justice, Alternative Energy, Environmental Studies, Community Resilience, Sustainable Development, Global Citizenship, Empowerment, STEM Education, Innovation, Economic Development, Entrepreneurship
Recommended Grades: 6-12