Made possible through the sponsorship of the Philip McNeal Leadership Program, the second annual Upper School Film Festival was held on Friday, January 14. Members of the Student Diversity Leadership Committee (SDLC) organized and made a significant impact through the day with the support of Upper School Dean of Student Life Ms. Kerry Verrone, SDLC Advisor Ms. Natalie Gomez, and US Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Coordinator Dr. Onika Murray. This event offered time through the whole day to pause, come together, and learn something new, especially in support of diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

The theme for 2022 was “Untold Stories,” and each of the documentaries shared a story that exposed a narrative or truth that the filmmakers thought people needed to pay attention to or that has been hidden for too long. It was particularly impactful to hold the film festival just prior to MLK Day since each of the films touched upon important issues of identity, justice, and speaking our truths as individuals and as a society. We could think of no better way to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s memory. 
 

Students had the opportunity to choose which of the 10 movies chosen by the SDLC they wanted to watch and discuss. Some films included a Q&A with the filmmakers, which allowed students to dig into the content in a more sophisticated way. After a fun lunch break with local taco and pizza trucks, community members spent time engaged in a reflective activity, considering their own Untold Stories. Dr. Murray shared that the film festival and the time to reflect provided impactful opportunities for connection, showing compassion, and creating safe spaces for the Upper School community that will resonate into the future.

Complete List of Movies Shown

A Fine Line

Crime + Punishment

Crip Camp

Dawnland

Decade of Fire

Documented

Hungry to Learn

In Our Mothers’ Gardens

The Hand That Feeds

We Exist