Virtual Screenings:
The Jewish Museum invites middle and high school students and teachers to watch award-winning documentary films that examine current social issues such as representation and identity, immigration, and civil rights. Participate virtually by viewing a selection of on-demand short films and pre-recorded conversations with filmmakers, available from December 2024 through February 2025.
Download the virtual screenings flyer
Screening links and classroom discussion guides are provided with registration. To register, fill out this form.
Banned Book Club (2023)
16 minutes
For grades 6-12
While politicians, educators, administrators, community members, and parents argue over what literature is appropriate for students, some students at Vandegrift High School in central Texas gather to make those decisions for themselves. In the Fall of 2021, Alyssa Hoy and Ella Scott formed the Vandegrift Banned Book Club to add student voices to the larger conversation. The group meets biweekly in the school library to read and discuss banned books. Directed by Sinead Keirans.
Anyuka (2023)
21 minutes
For grades 8-12
Interweaving family films, archival material and animation, a granddaughter takes a deep dive into the remarkable life of her indomitable grandmother: a writer, World War II refugee, and Holocaust survivor. Anyuka, which translates to ‘Mother’ in Hungarian, explores intergenerational trauma, the Jewish diaspora, immigration, motherhood, and religious identity—to tell the story of a tragic and marvelous life across continents. Directed and animated by Maya Erdelyi.
In-Person Screenings:
High school classes view award-winning documentaries, engage in post-film discussions, and enjoy a pizza lunch at the Jewish Museum. Only virtual screenings are being offered at this time, please check back for future in-person dates.
To learn more, email [email protected].
Movies That Matter is supported by the Nissan Foundation, a Humanities New York Action Grant, the Moses L. Parshelsky Foundation, and Pamela & Richard Rubinstein Family Fund
Additional support is provided, in part, through public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with Council Member Erik Bottcher, Council Member Shekar Krishnan, and the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.