Many remember the controversial 2023 Supreme Court decision that overturned affirmative action in higher education. Many more don’t realize the effort and decades of attempts to get similar cases tried before the Supreme Court. Especially given the newly appointed conservative majority, it was like a match made in heaven for Students for Fair Admissions and their legal strategist, Edward Blum. Blum has made himself known for fighting such cases, having been a leader in anti-affirmative action legal suits since losing a congressional race in the late 80s.
Admissions Granted seeks to tell both sides of this complex story in which Asian Americans were both centered and alienated as a political tool. With a cast including Jeannie Suk Gersen, Neil Rudenstien, Danielle Holley, and Natasha Warikoo, this documentary tries its hardest to get the full scope of the divisive issue of affirmative action as it regards to applications at Harvard University.
Although a generally well-crafted law documentary, the recurring emphasis on "listening to both sides" seems out of place and difficult to connect with: All these people are wealthy, and we’re not discussing class. It makes it a one-sided issue based on a bit of entitlement and possible injustice that now helps to decide the fate of every college applicant coast to coast. The way the subjects only seriously discussed equity in education mere minutes before the end made these points seem tacked on, and the mentions of race are just that, mentions.
As someone who wouldn’t have gone to college at all if there hadn’t been a large public institution within morning commute distance of my childhood home, watching a group of millionaires’ children sue Harvard for not getting in was a little bit like watching someone sue the state because they were one number away from winning the Mega-Millions Lotto, especially since race (one of the stated themes) is thoroughly underexplored in the documentary and class is only mentioned in passing once or twice.
Despite this edge of entitlement, Admissions Granted shows great skill in filmmaking and has many interesting segments that will intrigue viewers interested in the inner workings of Ivy League admissions, the evolution of higher education, and the high-stakes legal battles shaping our educational system. For public library patrons drawn to documentaries about elite institutions, higher education, Supreme Court cases, or recent history, this film is worth recommending. Admissions Granted provides a thought-provoking, albeit biased, view of a debate that affects millions across the nation.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Admissions Granted would fit perfectly on public library shelves with documentaries that explore higher education, big court cases, and social justice topics. This documentary covers the major Supreme Court case on affirmative action at Harvard, making it a timely look at issues of access, privilege, and fairness in college admissions. It would be right at home with films that explore the Ivy League, big legal battles, and the impact of policies on people’s lives. For library patrons interested in topics like law, education reform, or the debate around diversity and admissions, Admissions Granted is a good pick.
What kind of college instructor could use this title?
Admissions Granted would be a great fit for college instructors who discuss topics like affirmative action, educational policy, or social justice in their courses. Professors in areas like public policy, law, sociology, and education would find this documentary especially useful to help students see the real-life complexities behind these issues. It’s also a strong choice for classes covering constitutional law, ethics, and access to education, providing a clear example of how big court decisions can shape college admissions. For any instructor aiming to bring the debate around privilege, race, and fairness in higher education into the classroom, Admissions Granted offers a lot to explore and discuss.
What is the current pricing?
$630 University DVD
Learn more about Admissions Granted by clicking here
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Director's Bio
Hao Wu has directed and produced four feature documentaries that have received support from Ford Foundation JustFilms, CAAM, ITVS, Sundance Institute, and international broadcasters. He is currently a fellow at the New America Foundation.
Miao Wang (director, producer, editor) is a Beijing-born, New York-based filmmaker. Proudly bicultural and bilingual, she has a sensitive and fine-tuned appreciation of cultural nuances. Her focus is on creative and cinematic films that tell poignant human stories, inspire cultural understanding, build connections, and encourage a more humanistic perspective of the world. She holds a BA in economics from the University of Chicago and an MFA in design and film from Parsons School of Design. While completing her MFA, she apprenticed with two mentors: renowned graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister and legendary documentarian Albert Maysles. Design sharpened her eye for visual detail and taught her how colors, textures, and patterns affect us. Maysles taught her to be alert and perceptive to people’s gestures and emotions, however subtle. Both became models when she founded Three Waters Films in 2005.
Since then, she has produced two documentary features (Maineland and Beijing Taxi), part of a trilogy exploring China’s rise and its interaction with the U.S. Maineland (2017, New York Times Critic's Pick), Beijing Taxi (2010, New York Magazine Critic's Pick), and her short film Yellow Ox Mountain (2007) have screened at over 200 international festivals and institutions, such as SXSW and the Guggenheim Museum, with U.S. theatrical releases, nationwide broadcasts, and global digital distribution on multiple platforms. Maineland premiered in competition and received a Jury Award at the prestigious SXSW Film Festival, followed by a Jury Award at the Independent Film Festival of Boston and an Audience Choice Award at the New Hampshire Film Festival. It was also nominated for the John Marshall Award at the Camden International Film Festival. Beijing Taxi premiered in competition, was nominated for Best Feature Documentary at SXSW, and received a Best Feature Documentary award from the Sidewalk Film Festival and Best Director award from DukeCity Doc Fest.
Miao’s films also have wide educational distribution—she frequently tours across the U.S. as a speaker and guest lecturer at schools and conferences. While Maineland illuminates the experience of Chinese students studying abroad in small-town America for both American and Chinese audiences, each audience takes away a unique level of understanding. Maineland has been used by hundreds of schools, universities, and educational agencies in the U.S. not only to foster greater understanding of the Chinese student experience but also as a resource for teacher training.
Accolades
- NBC Original
- Big Sky Documentary Film Festival 2024 Official Selection
- CAAM 2024 Official Selection
Awards
- NBC Original
- Big Sky Documentary Film Festival 2024 Official Selection
- CAAM 2024 Official Selection
Festival and Special Screenings
- NBC Original
- Big Sky Documentary Film Festival 2024 Official Selection
- CAAM 2024 Official Selection