Room to Breathe

In Room to Breathe, filmmaker Russell Long illustrates how San Francisco's Marina Middle School used mindfulness training to help one class of underachievers learn to “be comfortable when they are not being entertained,” and also be self-reflective. School administrators also hoped to develop a culture allowing Latino and African-American kids in particular to feel that they were part of something and valued at the school. Footage from a seventh-grade math and science class shows the chaos that prevailed before the training—students constantly bicker, gossip, throw things, walk around, and even leave the classroom. A therapist from Mindful Schools, a serene young woman named Megan Cowan, is at first unable to engage the boisterous group in meditative exercises, but after a few disruptive youngsters are excused, those who remain follow along and eventually some even lead the sessions. Long films close-up in the classroom and on school grounds, while also documenting frank conversations between apathetic young people and their parents, the latter wishing their offspring appreciated their educational opportunities. The documentary focuses on two Latinas and two African-American boys who have struggled with schoolwork and behavioral problems; all four had better grades and fewer disciplinary issues after mindfulness instruction. DVD extras include brief comments from six students and extended interviews with three experts. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)