Rebirth: New Orleans

Rebirth: New Orleans, a highly compelling 2013 documentary film, achieves an effective balance between being an accessible historical account and an emotive recounting of personal experience.

Directed by Jesse Moss, the film follows the dramatic prismatic changes that occurred in the education system of New Orleans after the devastating Hurricane Katrina struck the city in 2005. The hurricane crisis is used as a backdrop for exploring the contentious topic of school reform, a multifaceted issue that is both highly politically charged and deeply personal in the lives of those it affects.

Rather than delivering a linear, historical narrative, "Rebirth: New Orleans" focuses on the perspectives of a dynamic array of stakeholders in New Orleans' education system. These include educators, parents, students, community activists, and policy influencers. By presenting multiple, often conflicting viewpoints, Moss presents an enlightening perspective about the struggles, opportunities, consequences, and human realities involved in the colossal task of overhauling an ailing public education system.

At the heart of the film lies the issue of charter schools. In the post-Katrina period, New Orleans saw an unprecedented shift towards these independently-run public schools. The city became a testing ground for a nationwide trend towards a market-based approach to education - the results of which are still keenly observed and debated by education experts and policy-makers across the U.S.

The film explores a range of interlacing themes related to access and quality of education, school management, community involvement and its impacts on racial equity, economic viability, and social stratification. It does an admirable job of distilling complex policy debates into tangible, human-scaled stories.

The movie steadily unfolds the efforts of inspiring education leaders like Brian Riedlinger, the CEO of School Leadership Center of Greater New Orleans, and passionate teachers who are grappling to bring about transformation. Through their stories, one gets a glimpse of the extensive challenges they face - from limited funding and resources to the socio-economic problems of students coming from underprivileged backgrounds.

Parents and students constitute another significant voice in the film. Their narratives serve as a reminder that the ultimate goal of any education reform should be to benefit students and provide them with robust opportunities for learning. Their tales of hope, despair, perseverance, and transformation form a significant emotional anchor of Rebirth: New Orleans.

While the film leaves no stone unturned to display the many positive outcomes of school reform in New Orleans, it does not shy away from its pitfalls. It addresses difficult questions about charter schools. Can they replicate or replace traditional public schools? How promising is their promise for universal access to quality education? How accountable are they to public interest? These and many such questions fuel the narrative, offering food for thought for anyone interested in school reform.

One of the film's core strengths lies in its deft handling of race and class issues. The transition to charter schools following Hurricane Katrina was viewed with suspicion and skepticism by many. It was seen as an act of taking advantage of the city's vulnerability to impose an education model with deep racial and class inequities. By including these critical voices, the film invites its viewers to think critically about the potential unintended consequences of school reform.

The documentary also stands out in its vivid portrait of New Orleans. It is replete with imagery that mirrors the city's resilience, diversity, and distinctive culture. Even as it deals with a serious and fraught topic, the film manages to capture the vibrancy and life of the city in its background, adding richness and texture to the narrative.

Rebirth: New Orleans brings to life a critical chapter in the ongoing story of education reform in the United States. It compels us to think about our education philosophy - whether it should be a purely public service, a competitive marketplace, or something in between. With no simple answers, the film presents a gripping account of change, struggle, and aspiration, making it a must-watch for those interested in education and social equity.