SHOWING:
11 am, Sun. 9/24 @ Harbert Center
directed by Sara Sackner
When the filmmakers decided to go “back to school” to tell the extraordinary story of their high school drama teacher, Jay W. Jensen, they knew they would be telling the 50 year story of a man who dedicated his life to education, saved every penny, and became known as the “Teacher to the Stars.” What they didn't know is the real story they would uncover. The drama program Jay created and ran for over 30 years, 7 days a week, day and night, no longer existed. Turning their camera lens on the American public school system, the filmmakers set out on a journey across the country, talking to everyone from Teachers, Principals, Administrators, Government Leaders, and students themselves, only to discover the arts were disappearing from the American classroom at an alarming rate.
CLASS ACT weaves Mr. Jensen's personal story with the fate of arts education in America today, giving us a report card on what lies ahead for America's children. This humorous yet revealing look at America's schools as they abandon arts education includes a virtual who's who of Hollywood, including actor Andy Garcia, film director Brett Ratner, songwriter Desmond Child, casting director Debra Zane, and sportscaster Roy Firestone, as well as the filmmakers themselves.
Director Bio:
Sara Sackner executive produced TIE-DIED: ROCK 'N ROLL'S MOST DEADICATED FANS, about the loyal followers of the Grateful Dead. She produced the critically acclaimed documentary, PAINTING THE TOWN, about the New York artist, Richard Osterweil. Her narrative feature films include, INTIMATE BETRAYAL. Sara recently produced and directed the feature length documentary, CONCRETE, a chronicle of the world's largest private collection of word and image art, ensconced in a home-museum.
