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Project Overview
The Story of Movies, an innovative educational initiative for middle schools, is the first ever partnership of filmmakers and educators to create a curriculum which aims to help students better understand and interpret the language of film and visual images. This unique program features newly created national film study standards that enable educators to teach students about the historical, social, and cultural significance of film. By teaching students how to “read” a film, and placing motion pictures in the context of history, art and society, The Story of Movies empowers students to explore their own creativity and critical-thinking skills, to help them gain a greater respect for the diversity of their culture as well as areas of common interest – skills of crucial importance in today’s multi-cultural student population.
Objectives
The six underlying objectives of The Story of Movies project are for students to:
- Understand the historical and artistic development of American movies;
- Understand the social, cultural and artistic significance of film;
- Think critically about social issues, such as racism, politics, democratic ideals, war, history and culture, as depicted in movies;
- Use film as a cultural shorthand that speaks across the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural world in which they live;
- Think creatively and critically, not only in the movie theater but in all aspects of their lives, and certainly with all artistic communication;
- Embrace the American multi-cultural experience and achieve a deeper understanding of their own place in a diverse national culture.
Program Components
The Story of Movies’ curriculum will focus on the study of three core films – TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962, d. Robert Mulligan), THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (1951, d. Robert Wise), and MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939, d. Frank Capra) – allowing for in-depth study of each film, as well as film language and process. Additional titles will be added in 2006.
Each film unit has five interrelated components: - Teacher’s Guide featuring lessons with teaching objectives, detailed step-by-step instructions for presenting each activity, and answer keys;
- Student Activity Booklet which includes graphic organizers, screening sheets to be used while viewing the film clips, as well as reading, writing, visual thinking, and group activities worksheets;
- DVD featuring film clips and original mini-documentaries, as well as movie stills and photographs;
- DVD of the feature film for in-depth study;
- Website (www.storyofmovies.org) featuring Take 2 extension activities and a Teacher’s Lounge that allows educators to exchange teaching strategies and successes. The website also features additional materials, which teachers can download and integrate with each Teaching Unit.
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