Each of the films in this series will emphasize the ways in which music inspires and strengthens individuals and communities in situations of tragedy, crisis or disenfranchisement. In addition to post-film discussions and interactive Q&A sessions, many of the screenings will feature live performances by the musicians featured in the films.

Teachers are encouraged to utilize the study guides for each film and to prepare their students prior to each screening. All of our programs are designed to be interactive experiences rather than passive viewings, so students are expected to come prepared to ask questions of filmmakers and special guests and to participate in post-film discussions and Q&A.

Past events in the series

When the Levees Broke (Act III)
USA 2006, total program 120 min
10:00 am, October 23, Clay Theatre, San Francisco
Presented in partnership with the Stanford Jazz Workshop.
More than 200 students attended the screening of Spike Lee’s epic documentary on the impact and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The program began with a short film called Children of the Storm, produced by and featuring young students in New Orleans during their first semester back in the city after the hurricane. After watching Act III and a small portion of Act IV of When the Levees Broke, composer/musician Donald Harrison, who is featured in the film, was joined on stage by three teenage musicians from New Orleans to answer questions from the audience about their personal experiences during and after Katrina, and how music has helped them through that tragedy. Harrison then graciously brought out his saxophone and treated the audience to several songs—from dirge to Mardi Gras march. Grades 6–12.

Once
Ireland 2006, 88 min
10:00 am, November 9, Red Vic Movie House, San Francisco
Full of fiercely beautiful folk-rock songs, Once is a completely original and charming film made on a shoestring budget with nonprofessional actors Glenn Hansard (lead singer of the Irish band The Frames) and Markéta Irglová as two struggling musicians in Dublin who fall in love with and through each other’s music. About 100 teachers and students had the unique opportunity to see this SFIFF50 and Sundance favorite in an intimate and informal setting with musicians and lead actors Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. Their conversation with the audience lasted a full hour, during with they talked about the process and experience of making a low-budget, mostly improvised film; being first- or second-time actors; and what advice they would give to the young musicians in the audience. Glen then pulled out his well-worn guitar and the duet played two acoustic songs from the film. Grades 9–12.

August Rush
10:15 am, November 15, AMC Loews Metreon 16, San Francisco
About 175 students and teachers viewed this music-driven drama, which demonstrates the power of music to express feelings and to communicate to others using an extremely diverse soundtrack that includes everything from gospel to indie rock to classical. Before the screening, professional guitarist and former teacher Leo King played for the audience as a way to prepare the kids for the musical story they were about to experience. The pre-film discussion covered topics such as the dearth of music programs in schools, why music is important to us, the different styles of music that inspire students, how King has used music as a teaching tool, and what it is like to play as a street musician. Grades 4–8.

Programs currently in development
Please check back for schedule updates and announcements. Announcements for open school screenings will also be emailed to all educators on our mailing list. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please contact Keith Zwolfer at kzwolfer@sffs.org.

War Dance
USA 2007, 105 min
In Nilotic and English with English subtitles
Outside a refugee camp in remote northern Uganda, the violence and grief of a 20-year civil war rage. Meanwhile, within the camp’s fences, children sing and dance. This moving documentary about preparations for a nationwide music festival finds hope in horror, revealing the pride and exuberance of these young musicians. Grades 9–12.

Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars
Sierra Leone/USA 2006, 80 min
A band of six Sierra Leonean musicians have been living as refugees in the West African nation of the Republic of Guinea after a brutal civil war forced them from their homes in Sierra Leone. Through music, they have found refuge, purpose and a source of power by giving a voice to the experiences of so many struggling to survive. This character-driven documentary chronicles the band over three years, from Guinean refugee camps back to war-ravaged Sierra Leone and on to realizing the dream of recording their first studio album. Grades 7–12.

Girls Rock!
USA 2007, 90 min
Girls Rock! follows the journey of four 8-18-year-olds as they are transformed by the liberating powers of music at the Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls. Given the opportunity to bash the drums, wail like a banshee and take up space, the girls jettison gender stereotypes like old hats on their way to a joyous final concert that will change their lives forever. Invited guests: Arne Johnson and Shane King, codirectors. With possible guest performance. Grades 6-12. (See also Women in Film series)