Synopsis
On a remote patch of the Mojave Desert, amidst dusty tumbleweeds and rangy Joshua Trees, sits an anomaly: a high school where educators believe empathy, life skills, and the constancy of a caring adult are the differences that will give at-risk students command of their fates. On any given day, principal Vonda Viland calls kids at the crack of dawn to see if they’ll make it to school. And if they need a ride? Well, she’ll pick them up. Vonda knows each student’s challenges and coaches them tirelessly, never fostering false hopes. Her philosophy combines loving compassion with realism, and given her school’s rising graduation rate, it seems to be working.
Facts
Awards
Sundance Special Jury Prize Documentary
Filming location
California
Original language
English
Trailer
Stills
Reviews
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Festival History
- Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival 2016 generic
- International Documentary Association 2016 generic
- Sundance Film Festival 2016 generic
- Viennale 2016 generic
