A School of Their Own

Debra Kaufman's technically modest but informative and touching documentary A School of Their Own focuses on the Riverside School, a private institution in the Himalayan state of Nepal that provides a nurturing learning environment for children of impoverished low-caste families (including girls who would normally be excluded from government schools). Founded by a Dutchman named Ingo Schnabel, Riverside exemplifies the hope for a peaceful move towards democracy after a long history of feudal monarchy in a nation that is currently threatened by a so-called Maoist rebellion. Kaufman interviews Schnabel, other teachers, and selected students, while also revealing that the school is caught in the middle of the shaky Nepalese political situation: the local government accuses the school of aiding rebels, while the rebels themselves often draft unwilling youngsters to serve in their ranks and accuse the school's staff of complicity with the authorities. A poignant film about children struggling against great odds to realize their dreams, DVD extras here include a director's statement (in which Kaufman encourages viewers to help ensure that Nepal doesn't fall off America's radar screen) and a lesson plan for teachers. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)