Montclair Film’s High 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

The Librarians
Special Screening: 3/18/26

Across the U.S., school librarians are on the frontlines of the fight over book bans and free expression. The Librarians follows educators who face harassment, threats, and even job loss for defending students’ right to read, as they confront efforts to remove books about race, LGBTQ+ identities, and American history. This urgent documentary explores the stakes for democracy, critical thinking, and the First Amendment in today’s classrooms.

Themes: Book Banning, First Amendment Rights, Academic Freedom, Censorships
Key Questions | Curriculum Connections

Teenage Wasteland
Special Screening: 1/13/25

In the early 1990s, a group of high school students in Middletown, NY, uncovered a toxic waste dumping conspiracy—complete with mafia connections and local corruption—threatening their community’s drinking water. Guided by a teacher who championed “civic courage,” the students used camcorders to investigate, confront officials, and create a documentary that drew national attention. Teenage Wasteland revisits the students 30 years later, showing the power of youth activism and the lasting impact of speaking truth to power.

Themes: Student Activism, Investigative Journalism, Environmental Justice, Civic Courage
Key Questions | Curriculum Connections

Creede U.S.A.
Special Screening: 12/9/25

In a remote Colorado mining town, a summer theater troupe was invited decades ago to revive the local economy—bringing progressive ideas into a deeply conservative community. Today, Creede U.S.A. captures a microcosm of America as residents debate guns in schools, LGBTQ-inclusive health education, and the values they want to pass to the next generation. Amid tense town hall meetings and personal stories, the film highlights moments of empathy and dialogue, showing how communities can discover common ground and learn to engage across divides.

Themes: Civic Engagement, School Safety & Gun Debates, LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Education, Bridging Political Divides
Key Questions | Curriculum Connections

Majority Rules
Special Election Day Screening: 10/30/25

Majority Rules tackles two of our nation’s most pressing questions: How did the American electoral system become so dysfunctional, and can changing the way we vote transform democracy? Following Alaska’s groundbreaking experiment with ranked-choice voting, this film explores the challenges and opportunities in modern elections—especially relevant as cities like New York explore new voting methods.

Themes: Civic Engagement, Voting Rights, Electorals
Key Questions | Curriculum Connections

Common Ground
Special Earth Day Screening: 4/22/26

This hopeful environmental documentary examines regenerative farming as a solution to climate change, biodiversity loss, and community health. By spotlighting farmers, activists, and innovative practices, Common Ground shows how students and communities can explore sustainability and environmental stewardship at the local and global level.

Themes: Environmental Sustainability, Regenerative Agriculture, Climate Change Solutions, Community Actions
Key Questions | Curriculum Connections

The YouTube Effect

The YouTube Effect delves into the rapid rise of YouTube and its transformation into a dominant global media platform, reshaping access to news, entertainment, and information. While it has enriched our lives, it also raises concerns about the propagation of misinformation and dangerous ideologies. This documentary offers a critical look at the challenges and responsibilities of our technology-driven era.

Themes: Media Literacy, Social Justice, Current Events, Science and Technology
Key Questions | Curriculum Connections

Good Trouble
Special Black History Month Screening: 2/5/26

This moving portrait of civil rights leader John Lewis chronicles his lifelong fight for equality and voting rights. Good Trouble inspires students to consider how one person’s courage and persistence can change history and encourages reflection on the ongoing struggle for justice and representation.

Themes: Civil Rights, Voting Rights, Leadership, Social Justice Movements
Key Questions | Curriculum Connections

The Vault: Previous Impact Films Available for Booking!

Our Vault features popular Impact Series films that continue to spark meaningful classroom conversations. These titles remain available for screenings and curriculum integration.

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 Vault

• Till – The story of Mamie Till-Mobley’s pursuit of justice for her son Emmett Till, whose 1955 murder galvanized the civil rights movement.
• The YouTube Effect – A revealing look at YouTube’s rise, influence, and responsibility in shaping public discourse.
• The Piano Lesson – August Wilson’s iconic play brought to life in a stunning 2024
  adaptation, exploring legacy, family, and African American history