Matthew A. Cherry and Executive Producer Frank E. Abney III give a peek behind-the-scenes of their new Sony Pictures Animation short film Hair Love. The story of Hair Love was born out of seeing a lack of representation in mainstream animated projects, and also wanting to promote hair love amongst young men and women of color. We hope that the presentation will be particularly inspiring for any of our young viewers who come from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the eyes of mainstream film and media, and will empower and show them that all stories are important and deserve to be seen and heard.
Teaching Tools
Learning about the intricacies and wisdom of nature, and of life itself through ‘The Biggest Little Farm’
The Biggest Little Farm chronicles the eight year quest of John and Molly Chester as they trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony with nature. Through dogged perseverance and embracing the opportunity provided by nature’s conflicts, the Chester’s unlock and uncover a biodiverse design for living that exists far beyond their farm, its seasons, and our wildest imagination. Featuring breathtaking cinematography, captivating animals, and an urgent message to heed Mother Nature’s call, The Biggest Little Farm provides us all a vital blueprint for better living and a healthier planet.
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Learning about the importance of conservation and preservation through ‘The Elephant Queen’
The Elephant Queen is a documentary film following a herd of African elephants in Kenya, led by one matriarch, over the course of a year. A screening of this film may complement a curriculum in environmental science, especially wildlife, conservation, and biomes/habitats.
Taught in conjunction with this guide, the film will encourage students to think about the importance of animals and nature, and preserving our natural world.This study guide is intended to flexibly support educators in preparing for and following up on a class screening of The Elephant Queen. Support materials are intended to facilitate group discussion, individual and collaborative creative exercises, subject-based learning and access to resources for further investigation of material. Educators are encouraged to adapt and abridge the content as necessary to meet their unique learning objectives and circumstances.
Learning how to unpack bias and expanding knowledge of the refugee crisis through ‘Unsettled: Seeking Refuge in America’
Unsettled: Seeking Refuge in America is a feature documentary that takes an intimate look at the journey and struggle of LGBT refugees and asylum seekers from Africa and the Middle East as they flee persecution in their countries to seek better and safer lives in the United States. The film follows Junior (from the Congo), Subhi (from Syria), and Cheyenne and Mari (from Angola) beginning with their arrival to the United States. Although each story is unique, there are common threads of struggle, survival, vulnerability, hope, and resilience as they navigate the process of building a life in the United States.
Taught in conjunction with the curriculum guide, Unsettled: Seeking Refuge in America will challenge students to take a closer look at the struggle and traumas experienced by the film’s subjects and to think critically about their own biases while expanding their knowledge on the global refugee crisis and LGBT rights worldwide. Discussion questions and supplementary materials facilitate further research into related topics such as LGBT Rights Movement, Universal Human Rights, Technology for social good, and the power of education, art/film to affect positive social change.
Learning about the road to rehabilitation and prison justice reform through ‘Q Ball’
Q Ball is a feature documentary that takes an intimate look at the lives of players of the San Quentin Warriors team. The story’s focus on rehabilitation and the road to redemption. A screening of this film may complement a curriculum in history or social studies, specifically around student activism, prison justice movements, and current events.
Taught in conjunction with this guide, the film will encourage students to think about the importance of finding a supportive community, perseverance, and acceptance. Students will also be prepared to learn more about activism.