Film Lens
The Lottery is a documentary that focuses on the lottery process for admission to the Success Academy Charter Schools in New York City. It follows four families from Harlem and the Bronx as they navigate the months leading up to the lottery, which is a pivotal moment for their children's education. The film presents the contrasting views on charter schools, particularly the opposition from teachers' unions due to the non-unionized nature of these schools and the competition for building space between charter and public schools.
Directed by Madeleine Sackler, the film features prominent figures in the education reform movement, including Geoffrey Canada and Cory Booker. It captures the emotional stakes for families seeking better educational opportunities and the wider effects of the charter school debate in the United States. The documentary was inspired by a charter-school lottery event in 2008 and aims to present the complexities of the education system in a notable narrative.
Why Watch
- •Meet Geoffrey Canada, a leader in education reform.
- •See the intense lottery process for charter school admissions.
- •Follow the stories of families from Harlem and the Bronx.
Did You Know
•The film was directed by Madeleine Sackler, marking her first project.
•Success Academy Charter Schools was previously known as Harlem Success Academy.
•The Lottery was released in cinemas on May 7, 2010, and on DVD on May 30, 2010.
•Cory Booker served as the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, during the film's release.
Perfect For
Education reform advocatesCharter school supportersParents seeking school options