"From Marginalized to Empowered: 10 Independent Films About the Impact of Literacy"
The literate Jeremiah reads letters to the illiterate soldier, Samuel. From the film Marbles and Bullets, Richard De Witt, New Film Group, 2023
Literacy plays a vital role in shaping the lives of individuals, and providing opportunities for growth and advancement. Throughout history, films have been a powerful tool to bring social and political issues to light, and the role of literacy in shaping our lives is no exception. In this article, we'll take a look at 10 of the best independent films that explore the connection between literacy and social mobility, and how it affects the lives of characters in different ways.
Our Top 10 Indie Films About the Impact of Literacy on Marginalized People
Still from The Book Thief. (2013)
Still from The Freedom Writers (2007)
"The Book Thief" (2013) - Directed by Brian Percival, this film follows the story of a young girl named Liesel, who learns to read and write during Nazi Germany. Her newfound literacy skills help her escape the horrors of war and provide her with a sense of hope and purpose.
"Freedom Writers" (2007) - Directed by Richard LaGravenese, this film follows the story of a young, idealistic teacher who inspires her students to break free from their inner-city lives and see the world in a new light through their newfound love of literature and writing.
Still from Dead Poet’s Society (1989), courtesy of Slashfilm.com
3. "Dead Poet's Society" (1989) - Directed by Peter Weir, this film explores the power of words and the importance of standing up for what you believe in, as a group of boys at an all-boys prep school learn to embrace their individuality through the teachings of their inspiring and unorthodox English teacher.
From Good Will Hunting (1997)
4. "Good Will Hunting" (1997) - Directed by Gus Van Sant, our second Robin Williams film follows the story of a young, troubled math prodigy named Will, who is inspired to reach his full potential through the encouragement and guidance of his therapist and a wise old professor.
From The Shawshank Redemption (1994).
5. "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994) - Directed by Frank Darabont, this film follows the story of a young man named Andy, who uses his newfound literacy skills to escape the constraints of prison life and find freedom and redemption.
From To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)
6. "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962) - Directed by Robert Mulligan, this film is a classic adaptation of Harper Lee's novel about Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in the American South, and her journey to understand the complexities of race and prejudice through her father's work as a lawyer.
From The Color Purple (1985)
7. "The Color Purple" (1985) - Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film follows the story of a young woman named Celie, who learns to read and write and gains the courage to stand up for herself and her family.
From The Learning Tree (1969)
8. "The Learning Tree" (1969) - Directed by Gordon Parks, this film is a coming-of-age story about a young African American boy growing up in Kansas in the 1920s, and his journey to discover the importance of education and literacy.
From The Reading Room (2005)
9. "The Reading Room" (2005) - Directed by Jeffrey Blitz, this film explores the transformative power of literacy as a group of adult students come together in a small, rural community to learn how to read and write. Through their experiences, the film highlights the ways in which education can empower individuals and provide them with opportunities for social mobility. "The Reading Room" is a poignant reminder of the importance of literacy and the impact it can have on the lives of individuals.
From The Help (2011)
10. "The Help" (2011) - Directed by Tate Taylor, this film follows the story of a young white woman in the 1960s, who decides to write a book about the lives of African American maids in the South, and the friendships that form between the women as they share their stories.
These independent films showcase the impact of literacy in empowering individuals and providing them with opportunities for social mobility. These stories are a reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of ensuring that all individuals have access to it. The films on this list represent the diverse perspectives and experiences of those who have been marginalized and the ways in which they have overcome obstacles to achieve their goals.
TL;DR:
By highlighting the role that literacy plays in shaping the lives of individuals, these films inspire us to advocate for educational equity and strive to create a more just and equitable world. "Marbles and Bullets" by filmmaker Richard De Witt and New Film Group adds to this rich tradition of films that explore the importance of literacy and its impact on the lives of individuals. This film, which follows the journey of a young freed slave child as he guides his unlikely traveling partner home through the wilderness, highlights the power of literacy to empower and transform individuals. Through its themes of growth and the potential for people to change their conditioning to be better human beings, Marbles and Bullets inspires us to continue to strive towards a more equitable and just society.