Synopsis
Narrated by Matt Damon, this feature-length documentary explores the growing privatization of public schools and the resulting impact on America’s most vulnerable children. Filmed in Philadelphia, New Orleans, Nashville and other cities, BACKPACK FULL OF CASH exposes the world of corporate-driven education “reform” where public education — starved of resources — hangs in the balance. This film makes the case for public education as a basic civil right.
Director: Sarah Mondale
Producers: Vera Aronow, Sarah B. Patton, Sarah Mondale
A Co-Production with Turnstone Productions
Editors: Marian Hunter and Vera Aronow
Praise for Backpack Full of Cash
SCREENINGS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
BACKPACK FULL OF CASH has screened hundreds of times at schools, churches, movie theaters, colleges, and other venues across the U.S. and the globe, sparking lively discussions with local stakeholders. Viewers are coming away armed with new information and ideas to help them grapple with the challenges posed by school privatization.
A new version of the film with Spanish subtitles is available along with Community Resources and a Discussion Guide in Spanish. As the audience for BACKPACK continues to grow, we make it easy for grassroots groups like yours to organize an event, providing everything you need to host a BACKPACK screening and start a discussion in your community.
On Screen Personalities
DAVID KIRP
Dr. Kirp is a professor of Public Policy at U.C. Berkeley. A well-known journalist whose articles regularly appear in ...
- Read More
DIANE RAVITCH
Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education, historian and public intellectual, Ravitch is the author of numerous books about education ...
- Read More
KARRAN HARPER ROYAL
Harper Royal is a New Orleans parent and public school advocate. She is Assistant Director of the Pyramid Community Parent ...
- Read More
LINDA DARLING-HAMMOND
An international researcher and education policy analyst, Dr. Darling Hammond currently serves as President & CEO of the Learning Policy Institute. ...
- Read More
HELEN GYM
A Philadelphia City councilperson, Gym is the first Asian American woman to hold that position. She is also a community ...
- Read More
RHONDA BROWNSTEIN
Legal Director of the Southern Poverty Law Center, Brownstein formerly served as Executive Director of The Education Law Center of ...
- Read More
OTIS HACKNEY
Chief Education Officer for the City of Philadelphia and an advocate for Community Schools, Hackney served as Principal of South ...
- Read More
On The Set of "Backpack Full of Cash"
Stay Connected
Fields marked with an * are required
