Approaching The Elephant

Approaching The Elephant is a captivating American documentary that explores the boundaries of education as we know it. Directed by Amanda Rose Wilder, the film takes us on an intimate journey into the lives of students and teachers in an unstructured, democratic free school called 'Teddy McArdle Free School,' showcasing a year in their unusual yet intriguing academic life.

This film is a sharp contrast to the conventional classroom setting of rules and organized curriculums. The free school's core value is to let kids learn by their own choice and at their own pace, fostering an environment that prioritizes exploration and experience. From painting and reading to active debates and games, Approaching The Elephant captures the essence of this innovative and free-spirited educational model.

The documentary is unique in the way it treats its subject. Rather than influencing the narrative with context or voice-overs, Wilder lets the viewer witness the raw screenplay directly into the school's daily activities without interruption. This verité approach offers a realistic view and unfiltered insight into how a free school operates. The environment of the Teddy McArdle Free School becomes a character of its own, a silent revolution against a scripted curriculum and standardization.

In the spotlight of the documentary is Alex Khost, the founder of the school. With his roguish vision of education reform, Khost comes across as a ceaseless advocate of individuality and self-guided learning. Throughout the documentary, we see him dealing with constructive chaos, encouraging students to explore their interests, and mediating conflicts that arise from the absence of set rules.

Another central figure in this moving tale is student Jiovanni, a charismatic and energetic 10-year-old, who manages to keep the viewers engaged with his obstinate resistance to authority and inclination towards rebellion. We also follow a slew of other students who passionately participate in this incredible experiment of a school where there are no deadlines, homework, or tests but an engaging space to learn via independent decision-making and self-discovery.

Approaching The Elephant's aesthetic style lends itself beautifully to the story being told. The Director, Wilder, chose to film this documentary in stark black and white, echoing a bygone era of cinema verité. The aesthetic choice eloquently captures the stark differences between this new concept of schooling and the traditional one - bringing a sense of nostalgia for what schooling could look like yet bravely facing the future. At the same time, it depicts the raw happenings and confrontations without any embellishments, enhancing the authenticity of the experiences.

Apart from its unique aesthetic, the documentary owes much of its effectiveness to the stellar cinematography. The camera takes us through the school's various spaces, setting up intimate exchanges, playground frolics, tearful confrontations, and illuminating displays of newfound knowledge. With no predetermined narrative arc, this quiet observer approach lends an indescribable authenticity to the footage while showcasing the dynamics of democratic education.

The film indeed debates what education itself means. It attempts to challenge our ingrained mindset about learning and shatters the notion of "one size fits all" education. It focuses on children being able to harness their potential independently rather than imposing a planned curriculum on them. However, the documentary doesn't shy away from showing the potential pitfalls and challenges of such a system either.

What stands as the strength of Approaching The Elephant is its unbiased portrayal. It does not pass judgement but presents an unadulterated peek into what free schooling could mean - both the good and the bad. The result? A provocative, thought-provoking film that prompts you to rethink, discuss and potentially reimagine contemporary education.

In conclusion, Approaching The Elephant is a riveting documentary that hooks the viewer with its daring exploration of an alternative educational space, placing trust and agency in the hands of children. It's a compelling watch for educators, parents, students, or anyone with an interest in understanding how education could be diversified and evolved. By observing the free unfolding of events at Teddy McArdle Free School, we gain a glimpse into the poignant world of democracy in education: empathetic, chaotic, nurturing, challenging, and, above all, full of breathtakingly real moments.