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 |
| 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 Boy Who Harnessed the Wind | Social Justice, Alternative Energy, Environmental Studies, Community Resilience, Innovation | 6-10 |
| Majority Rules | Electoral Reform, Ranked-Choice Voting, Political Campaigns, Civic Engagement, Systemic Dysfunction | 9-12 |
| John Lewis: Good Trouble | Civil Rights, Voting Rights, Social Justice, American History, Activism | 9-12 |
| The Piano Lesson | African American History, Cultural Heritage, Family Legacy, Conflict Resolution | 9-12 |
| Common Ground | Regenerative Farming, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Climate Change, Ecological Responsibility | 9-12 |
| Death by Numbers | Gun Violence and Its Impact, Trauma and Recovery, Restorative Justice, Collective Hate, Youth Resilience and Justice in the Face of Tragedy | 9-12 |
| The Social Dilemma | Media Literacy, Technology Ethics, Mental Health, Social Media Impact, Privacy Concerns, Algorithmic Bias | 9-12 |
| The YouTube Effect | Media Literacy, Social Justice, Privacy and Data Ethics, Impact of Algorithms in Science and Technology, Influence on Current Events and Public Discourse | 9-12 |
A Million Miles Away
Special Screening: 1/29/25
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
Special Screening: 1/16/25
Good Night Oppy tells the inspiring true story of the Mars rover Opportunity, affectionately nicknamed “Oppy,” which was initially expected to operate for only 90 days but remarkably explored the red planet for nearly 15 years. The film follows the journey of the rover and the dedicated team of scientists and engineers at NASA who overcame countless challenges to keep Oppy running long past its expected mission. Through stunning visuals and heartfelt narratives, the film showcases the power of perseverance, teamwork, and human ingenuity in space exploration.
Themes include: STEM, Robotics, Space Exploration and Discovery, Innovation and Problem-solving, Environmental and Planetary science.
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
Key Questions and Curriculum Connections
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
John Lewis: Good Trouble
Special MLK Day Screening: 1/15/25
John Lewis: Good Trouble offers an intimate look at the life and legacy of U.S. Representative John Lewis, highlighting over 60 years of relentless activism. From his early days on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement to his influential career in Congress, Lewis fought tirelessly for racial equality and voting rights. He organized Freedom Rides, enduring violence and imprisonment, and played a leading role in historic marches on Washington and Selma. Until his passing on July 17, 2020, Lewis inspired Americans to continue fighting for justice by getting into “good trouble.
Themes include: Civil Rights, Voting Rights, Social Justice, American History, Activism
Key Questions and Curriculum Connections
The Piano Lesson
Special Black History Month Screening: 2/12/25
Set in the 1930s, The Piano Lesson follows siblings Boy Willie and Berniece as they clash over a cherished family heirloom—a piano carved with images of their ancestors. Boy Willie wants to sell it to buy land and secure financial independence, while Berniece wishes to keep it, viewing it as a tribute to their family’s heritage and sacrifices. Their struggle, influenced by family and spiritual presences, delves into questions of identity, legacy, and the balance between honoring tradition and pursuing progress.
Themes include: Heritage and Legacy, Conflict Between Tradition and Progress, Racial Identity and Experience, Family Dynamics, Economic Struggle, The Role of Art and Expression, Spirituality, and Ancestors.
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
Death by Numbers
In this compelling short documentary by shooting survivor Sam Fuentes and filmmaker Kim A. Snyder, Death by Numbers confronts the impact of gun violence on American youth. As Sam prepares to face her attacker, who killed her classmates with an AR-15 during a Holocaust Studies class, she and her teacher Ivy Schamis delve into the complexities of collective hate and the meaning of restorative justice. Interweaving Sam’s poetry and the courtroom drama of her shooter’s sentencing, the film follows her journey toward reclaiming her power and finding a path to healing.
Themes include: Gun Violence and Its Impact, Trauma and Recovery, Restorative Justice, Collective Hate, Youth Resilience, and Justice in the Face of Tragedy.
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
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
Recommended Grades: 10-12