CodeGirl

Lesley Chilcott's documentary centers on the 2015 Technovation Challenge, in which 5,000 girls from around the world use technology to solve a problem. Each year, six semifinalists travel to San Francisco to compete for the top prize. Team United Smart Girls from Moldova were inspired to enter because a Moldovan team won in 2014. They've designed an app that points users to volunteer opportunities in the community. Team Psych-Os from Anaheim has also designed an app geared towards volunteerism; to confirm that they're on the right track, the girls seek input from non-profit organizations, like Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Team Tech Voca in Mexico—who also competed the year before—made an app that provides resources for victims of domestic violence. Blanca, their mentor, says that their school hasn't been very supportive, because they expect girls to pursue more feminine endeavors. Team iFrench from San Francisco has an app that allows people to exchange unwanted items. All four groups make pitch videos, draft business plans, and create an app prototype. Out of 300 high school teams, only 44 semifinalists remain after the first round of judging—with three of the four here eliminated—so Chilcott shifts her focus to competitors from Andover, Brazil, and Nigeria. Although the foreign-language speakers are at a distinct disadvantage (since pitches must be made in English), a non-American team eventually emerges triumphant in this optimistic take on women's future in tech. Recommended. (K. Fennessy)