Montclair Film’s Middle School Impact Series brings students to the theater to experience inspiring films that spark reflection, discussion, and deeper understanding. Each film is carefully chosen for its ability to connect with curriculum areas such as social studies, language arts, science, STEM, and media literacy, while also fostering critical thinking, empathy, and civic engagement.

Film screening dates are customizable for groups of 50 or more, with special screenings also available throughout the year!

Film Descriptions

Hidden Figures

Before NASA could send an astronaut into orbit, three brilliant Black women — Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson — were doing the calculations that made it possible. Working in a segregated environment, they pushed past bias to prove their expertise. The film highlights perseverance, equity in STEM, and the overlooked people who shaped major moments in history

Themes:Equity in STEM · Civil Rights · Women in History · Perseverance · Collaboration
Key Questions | Curriculum Connections

Jane Goodall: The Hope

This documentary follows Jane Goodall as her early research with chimpanzees expands into a global conservation movement. Students see her work with scientists, young activists, and communities protecting endangered habitats. The film shows how curiosity, persistence, and compassion can inspire meaningful change

Themes:Conservation · Global Citizenship · Youth Activism · Ecosystems · Leadership
Key Questions | Curriculum Connections

The Biggest Little Farm

John and Molly Chester set out to revive a neglected farm and find themselves in the middle of nature’s chaos. Every challenge — drought, predators, pests — pushes them to understand how soil, plants, animals, and weather are all connected. As the farm comes back to life, students see ecological ideas turn into hands-on problem-solving and resilience

Themes:Ecosystems · Biodiversity · Climate Resilience · Sustainability · Systems Thinking
Key Questions | Curriculum Connections

The Giver

Based on Lois Lowry’s Newbery Medal–winning novel, The Giver follows Jonas, a boy living in a community that has erased emotion, conflict, and memory. When he learns the world’s hidden past, he begins to feel real emotions — and discovers the cost of maintaining “sameness.” The film offers a clear way to explore individuality, freedom, and what is lost in a tightly controlled society

Themes:Individuality · Freedom & Control · Ethics · Emotional Awareness · Dystopian Societies
Key Questions | Curriculum Connections

Path of the Panther

Set in the Florida wilderness, this film follows photographer Carlton Ward Jr. as he tries to capture the endangered Florida panther on camera while development threatens its last remaining habitat. Students see how conservation, land use, and community action shape the future of a species — and an entire ecosystem

Themes:Endangered Species · Habitat Loss · Conservation · Human Impact · Land Use
Key Questions | Curriculum Connections

Good Night Oppy


This uplifting documentary tells the true story of Opportunity, the Mars rover that was expected to survive just 90 days—but explored the Red Planet for nearly 15 years. Blending science, engineering, and human storytelling, the film shows how perseverance and teamwork can achieve the impossible, inspiring students to see the real-world applications of STEM.

Themes: STEM Innovation, Space Exploration, Perseverance, Teamwork
Key Questions | Curriculum Connections

A Million Miles Away

Based on the remarkable true story of José Hernández, a migrant farmworker who dreamed of becoming a NASA astronaut, A Million Miles Away is a powerful tale of persistence, family, and the pursuit of opportunity. This inspirational film encourages students to see the value of hard work, education, and community support in achieving their goals.

Themes: STEM Careers, Determination, Family & Community, Inspirational Biographies
Key Questions | Curriculum Connections

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

In rural Malawi, a resourceful teenager uses his ingenuity and knowledge of science to build a windmill and save his village from famine. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a moving story of creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, perfect for sparking discussions in STEM, environmental studies, and global awareness.

Themes: Innovation, Problem-Solving, Environmental Science, Global Perspectives
Key Questions | Curriculum Connections