What is the driving force behind the films you’re releasing in 2025?
At Film Platform, our driving force for the films we're releasing in 2025 is our commitment to showcasing stories that spark meaningful conversations and resonate with the challenges and triumphs of our time. We’re focusing on films that amplify diverse voices, explore critical social issues, and inspire action. Each title is carefully selected to not only engage but also educate and empower audiences, particularly within academic and community spaces. Our 2025 slate reflects a deep belief in the power of film to foster understanding and drive change.
Are there any specific trends or topics that inspired your slate of films?
Our 2025 slate is deeply inspired by current global conversations and emerging themes that demand attention. Key topics include environmental justice, the evolving landscape of technology and ethics, and the ongoing fight for equity and inclusion across cultures. We’re also exploring the intersections of health, science, and humanity, as well as narratives that challenge historical perspectives and amplify underrepresented voices. These trends reflect the dynamic and transformative stories we believe will resonate with our audiences and spark critical discussions in classrooms and beyond.
Are there any new genres or formats you’re exploring for the 2025 slate?
We’ve begun curating more short films to accommodate the time constraints often faced in middle and high schools.
What audience demographics are you aiming to engage more deeply with your 2025 lineup?
We aim to engage more deeply with higher education scholars, researchers, faculty, and students while continuing to develop a carefully curated collection for high school classrooms and teacher training. Our 2025 lineup provides faculty and librarians with the opportunity to preview films, helping them incorporate fresh, relevant content into their courses and collections. These previews allow educators to choose films that align with their teaching goals, encouraging meaningful discussions and deeper understanding. By focusing on current global issues and diverse perspectives, we hope to inspire educators to create engaging and impactful learning environments for their students.
Which of your upcoming films do you believe has the most potential for starting classroom discussions, and why?
The Thinking Game delves into the race to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI), raising profound questions about the implications of achieving human-level machine intelligence. The film’s narrative highlights not just the technical breakthroughs but also the broader societal, ethical, and philosophical challenges posed by AGI development. Discussions sparked by the film can explore how AGI might reshape industries, redefine labor markets, and influence global governance. It prompts reflection on critical ethical dilemmas: Who controls such powerful technology? How do we ensure it benefits humanity equitably? The film also challenges audiences to consider how AGI might change our understanding of human cognition and intelligence, blurring the boundaries between human and machine capabilities. By focusing on these themes, the film invites interdisciplinary discussions that bridge technology, ethics, policy, and social impact.
Are there any upcoming films that would work well for public screenings around specific awareness months, such as Black History Month or Earth Day?
The Here Now Project by Jon Siskel and Greg Jacobs offers a raw, human perspective on the climate crisis, using real footage from 2021’s fires, floods, and storms to show the devastating impacts of climate change. Without narration or experts, the film relies on the voices of everyday people, creating an intimate and immediate connection to the crisis. Its focus on shared experiences and resilience makes it a powerful Earth Day feature, sparking discussions on climate justice, environmental policy, and the role of storytelling in driving collective action. This deeply immersive film inspires reflection and action, perfectly aligning with Earth Day’s call for global responsibility.
How do your films align with course subjects for college majors?
The Lakota Nation vs. the United States (2023)
Subject Areas: History, Political Science, Indigenous Studies
This documentary provides a profound exploration of the Lakota people’s ongoing struggle over land rights, focusing on historical and modern-day conflicts, including their fight against the Mount Rushmore monument on sacred Lakota land. It is perfect for courses on U.S. history, political science, and indigenous studies. The film encourages a critical analysis of sovereignty, land rights, and the enduring legacy of colonization in contemporary politics.
We Iranian Women (2023)
Subject Areas: Gender Studies, Sociology, Middle Eastern Studies
This film offers an intimate portrayal of women’s activism in Iran, highlighting their fight for gender equality under an oppressive regime. It’s an excellent resource for gender studies, sociology, and political science courses. The film provides a deep understanding of the complexities of resistance movements, civil disobedience, and the intersection of gender and politics in a repressive state.
The Messenger: A Story of mRNA (2023)
Subject Areas: Public Health, Biochemistry, Ethics
Focusing on the revolutionary mRNA technology behind the COVID-19 vaccine, this film is highly suitable for courses in public health, biotechnology, and medical ethics. It allows students to explore the science behind mRNA technology, its potential in future vaccines, and the ethical questions surrounding rapid medical advancements.
DRAW FOR CHANGE! (2024)
Subject Areas: Social Activism, Art, Political Science
This film follows a group of artists using their craft to advocate for social change, illustrating the power of visual storytelling in activism. It fits well into courses on social activism, art history, and political science. It shows how art can amplify social justice movements, making it an excellent case study in courses that explore the role of creative expression in politics and social transformation.
Do you have any films coming out in 2025 that would appeal to K-12 teachers?
Generation Growth follows Bronx educator Stephen Ritz as he expands his innovative indoor academic gardening program to schools nationwide. This program helps students grow vegetables, improving academic performance, healthy eating habits, and engagement. The film highlights how education can address issues like food insecurity and health while providing valuable skills for the future. Perfect for K-12 teachers, it offers a practical, inspiring model for integrating real-world learning into the classroom.
How do your films support librarians in curating well-rounded and diverse collections?
Film Platform’s collection includes a wide range of independent films that adhere to the highest journalistic standards, supporting interdisciplinary learning. These films assist librarians in building diverse collections that encourage students to think critically about a variety of subjects. Titles like Praying for Armageddon, The Grab, She Rises Up, The Women of Stars and Mountains, and A Symphony for a Common Man provide in-depth explorations of global issues, human rights, social movements, and scientific developments. By offering these films, Film Platform enables librarians to curate collections that reflect current global challenges and encourage students to engage in meaningful discussions. To support educators, we also provide study guides and discussion questions, helping to integrate the films into classroom curricula effectively.
Can you share an example of how your films could be used in special events on campus, public libraries, or community venues?
On December 12, 2024, The Messenger: A Story of mRNA will be featured in a special academic event that includes both a film screening and a roundtable discussion with leading scientists. This event will delve into mRNA’s transformative role in medical advancements, exploring its potential beyond COVID-19 to treat diseases like cancer and HIV. Audience members will gain invaluable insights into the future of mRNA technology through engaging conversations with experts such as Steve Pascolo, Adrian Krainer, and others.
Link to the event: https://bit.ly/4gbKZFX
Link to the Event Recording Registration: https://bit.ly/3ZqXzLK
Are there specific licensing options, such as PPR (public performance rights) or digital site licenses, available for your upcoming titles?
We provide streaming access for our titles, along with Public Performance Rights (PPR). In some cases, we also offer Digital Site Licenses (DSL). These flexible licensing options ensure that institutions and organizations can screen films both online and in physical venues, based on their specific needs.