IDFA 1997
Fear and Learning at Hoover Elementary
Laura Angélica Simón
United States
1997
53 min
Bill 187 of the American state of California states that children of illegal aliens have no right to education and health benefits. Filmmaker Laura Angelica Simon works as a teacher at a school that accommodates many illegal pupils. She talked to fellow-teachers and their pupils. By doing so, she was able to expose the racial disparities from the inside. The film centres around the emotional story of a ten-year-old girl from El Salvador, which is linked to the account of the headmaster who, as a six-year-old boy, came to America from Mexico as an immigrant himself. Supporters and opponents of Bill 187 express their views. Thus, the dissension of the school population and the entire American society are clearly revealed.
Credits
Cinematography
Screenplay
World Sales
Jane Balfour Films Ltd.
Jane Balfour Films Ltd.
Screening copy
Fear and Learning Inc.
Fear and Learning Inc.