Watch Now: Films That Screened at SXSW EDU 2024
Each year, the SXSW EDU Film program highlights narrative films and documentaries focusing on issues across the education landscape. This past March, 10 powerful and inspiring films were selected for the 2024 program and screened for the attendees in Austin, Texas where they experienced unique Q&As following the screening with directors and producers of the films.
With stories highlighting the historical plight of Black farmers in the U.S., the story of “Reading Rainbow,” and more, these films left audiences feeling inspired. Explore the list of films now available in case you missed them in March or want to watch them again. Learn more below on how you can watch the films today!
Interested in having your film screened at SXSW EDU 2025? The application to submit your film is open now through November 15.
Here’s a rundown of available SXSW EDU 2024 films and where you can watch them:
Butterfly in the Sky
Directors: Bradford Thomason & Brett Whitcomb
Butterfly in the Sky tells the story of the beloved PBS children’s series "Reading Rainbow," its iconic host LeVar Burton, and the challenges its creators faced in cultivating a love of reading through television. Two seconds into the bubbling synth sounds of its theme song will have a child of the 1980s or ‘90s exclaiming “Reading Rainbow!” Such is the beloved nature of the classic children’s literary television show that introduced millions of kids to the wonder of books.
How to watch: stream on Netflix.
Como Vivimos (How We Live)
Director: Aggie Ebrahimi Bazaz
Each year, hundreds of Latinx children across California are made to vacate their homes and miss months of school. That’s because they live with their families in one of the state’s farmworker housing centers, subsidized apartment complexes which close at the end of the harvest season and require families to relocate at least 50 miles away. Como Vivimos spends a year in one such community to reveal how the cycles of displacement, lost learning, and unaffordable housing impede economic opportunity.
How to watch: online at no cost.
Farming While Black
Director: Mark Decena
Farming While Black examines the historical plight of Black farmers in the U.S. and the rising generation reclaiming their rightful ownership to land and reconnecting with their ancestral roots. As the co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, Leah Penniman finds strength in African agrarianism – agricultural practices that can heal people and the planet. Influenced and inspired by Karen Washington, a pioneer in urban community gardens in NYC, and fellow farmer and organizer Blain Snipstal, Leah galvanizes around farming as the basis of revolutionary justice.
How to watch: request a screening here.
Harlem Rising
Director: Rayner Ramirez
Using archival video footage filmed by Black and Brown youth from the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s, Harlem Rising traces the history of the Harlem Children’s Zone through the individual narratives of the children, parents, and community members impacted by its work. This story as told by its founder Geoffrey Canada and current CEO Kwame Owusu-Kesse, captures the transformation of New York City's Harlem through the unique lens of three generations who grew up with the Harlem Children's Zone.
How to watch: online at no cost.
Join or Die
Directors: Rebecca Davis & Pete Davis
Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club — and why the fate of America depends on it. In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis. Flanked by influential fans and scholars — from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker — as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly... What can we do about it?
How to watch: host a screening or catch a screening near you.
She Creates Change
Director: Martha Adams
She Creates Change is a groundbreaking anthology series about six young girls who use life skills such as empathy and perseverance to overcome obstacles and transform their lives. The series is designed to help adolescent girls around the world develop the skills they need to create positive change in their own lives, and in their communities. The series promotes gender equality and demonstrates the positive change that occurs when girls are provided the support they need to stay in school.
How to watch: sign up to be notified for upcoming opportunities to watch, plus, get a copy of the She Creates Change ebook and more.
Show Her The Money
Director: Ky Dickens
This is a story that’s never been told.
The film addresses women getting less than 2% of venture capital and demystifies what venture capital is. Featuring rock-star female investors who invest in diverse women entrepreneurs with innovations that will change the world, Show Her The Money reminds us that money is power and women need it to achieve true equality.
How to watch: catch a screening near you.
The Truth About Reading
Director: Nick Nanton
The Truth About Reading looks at the illiteracy problem in America, highlighting people who learned to read as adults, and sharing proposed solutions for working towards a future where every child learns to read proficiently. While the film illustrates the painful reality of life for individuals impacted by illiteracy, it also reminds viewers that the issue is not one that affects just a few struggling readers, but one that affects countless children and adults and weakens the very fabric of our society. Filled with powerful emotion, a deep sense of urgency, and an overarching spirit of hope, The Truth About Reading brings light to a hidden crisis and compels audiences to take action to end illiteracy once and for all.
How to watch: stream or buy the film.
We Are Columbine
Director: Laura Farber
We Are Columbine is the first film to offer insider access behind and beyond the headlines of Columbine. The documentary highlights the stories of four freshmen students who survived one of the deadliest school shootings in United States history at Columbine High School in 1999. Director Laura Farber, who was also a freshman during the shootings, sensitively captures her classmates' unique perspectives during an unprecedented walk-through of the school itself, shedding light on the issues mass shootings represent to those affected and how to address them. When we can't change the violence in America, we can change how it affects us.
How to watch: stream the film on various platforms.
Submit your film to be considered for the SXSW EDU 2025 Film program and be a part of the incredible history of films screened at SXSW EDU.
See You at SXSW EDU 2025
Register to attend SXSW EDU 2025! Take advantage early for the best rate and hotel options March 3-6, 2025 in downtown Austin.
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Photo provided by Sabrina Macias
By Auva Saghafi
10/1/2024
