I Am a Promise

An Oscar-winner for Best Documentary in 1994 (although one could argue The War Room was more deserving of that honor), as well as garnering Emmy and Peabody Awards, I Am a Promise debuts on DVD with an impressive pedigree. Filmmakers Alan and Susan Raymond (best known for the groundbreaking TV documentary series An American Family) followed the students of Stanton Elementary School in North Philadelphia (a rough inner-city neighborhood where the criminal element is constantly encroaching and hypodermic needles litter the schoolyard) over the course of a year. Insufficient funding leaves the school understaffed and often poorly equipped to prepare students for success in the outside world, and many parents offer little help (90 percent live beneath the poverty line and many are fighting personal demons such as drug dependency). No elected official seems available to fight for increased school funds and civic leaders are also conspicuous in their absence. Within this milieu the indefatigable principal Deanna Burney fights the proverbial uphill struggle to keep the school operating and to provide an education for the children caught in the crossfire. DVD extras include commentary with the filmmakers and Burney. A heartbreaking and highly disturbing film, which--unfortunately--remains relevant in today's less-than-sterling public education environment, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (P. Hall)