Follow the remarkable journey of Siphe November, who left his small township in South Africa to follow his dreams at Canada’s National Ballet School. The rising dance star pushes the limits of his talents, tackles an intensive training regimen and soars on stages around the world—including here at home with The National Ballet of Canada—all the while reflecting on what it means to be a Black ballet dancer and figuring out how to give back to the community that raised him. As much a compelling drama as an immersive glimpse inside the world of dance, this Cinema favourite is a joyous and inspiring story that reveals deeply personal pulses of family, prejudice, expectation, and resilience. (Hot Docs)
Focus
During the prevailing darkness of this time, it is important that we see and remember the light in humanity. This year the Focus program presents three docs that emphasize the goodness possible in humankind.
Each film showcases individuals or groups of people from around the world that chose to show compassion and empathy. The results of their acts of kindness continue beyond the initial action and are still felt today. Stories from near and far reveal a universal message about the power of kindness, showing that one little act can go a long way.
- Available October 13 – November 30
- Book the film(s) for the week that coincides with your teaching
- Each booking is one week long
- Multiple weeks may be booked
- Last week for booking is Monday November 23
- Film(s) sent with link and controlled password
Questions? Please contact Elspeth Arbow, Docs For Schools Coordinator, at [email protected].
The Films
Beyond Moving
- Canada
- 2019
- 84
- Director:
- Vikram Dasgupta
NOV 5: Live Q&A with Siphe November & Vikram Dasgupta
GO TO Q&A- Subjects:
- Language
- Dance
- English
- Media Arts
- Equity Studies
- World Cultures
- Geography
- Challenge & Change in Society
- Exploring Family Studies
- Dynamics of Human Relationships
- Human Development
- Families in Canada
A Small Act
- USA
- 2010
- 54
- Director:
- Jennifer Arnold
Some subtitles
- Subjects:
- Language
- Civics
- Family Studies
- Philosophy
- Geography
A older film, but one of the most popular Docs For Schools titles. As a young man in Kenya, Chris Mburu's life was forever changed by one small act of kindness and generosity. After graduating from the Harvard Law school and working as a human rights lawyer for the United Nations, Chris decides to find the stranger that changed his life and starts a scholarship program for youth in her name (the Hilde Back Education Fund). With clarity and grace, A Small Act, bears witness to the ripple effect a single action can create. (Hot Docs)
You Are Here: A Come From Away Story
- Canada
- 2018
- 84
- Director:
- Moze Mossanen
- Subjects:
- Language
- English
- Media Arts
- Geography
- Canadian History Since WWI
- Civics
- American History
- Canada: History, Identity & Culture
- Intro AP&S
- Dynamics of Human Relationships
- Equity & Social Justice
- World Cultures
In the week following the 9/11 attacks, 38 airliners carrying over 6500 passengers were forced to land in the least likely of places: Gander, Newfoundland. This incredible story is the basis for the runaway hit musical Come From Away, and the subject of this extraordinary portrait of the real people behind the music. As the world started to face a new era of fear, find out how a compassionate community opened its arms to thousands of strangers, inspiring warmth and generosity around the globe. (Hot Docs)
Lead Partner
Founding Partner
Exclusive Education Partner
Supported By
Additional support is provided by Patrick and Barbara Keenan Foundation, Donner Canadian Foundation, Pitblado Family Foundation, Flavelle Family Foundation, The McLean Foundation, OTIP, and through contributions by individual donors.
