PBS Premiere: September 20, 2011
Synopsis
One hundred years ago, American teachers established the English-speaking public school system of the Philippines. Now, in a striking turnabout, American schools are recruiting Filipino teachers. The Learning is the story of four Filipina women who reluctantly leave their families and schools to teach in Baltimore. With their increased salaries, they hope to transform their families’ lives back in their impoverished country. But the women also bring idealistic visions of the teacher’s craft and of life in America, which soon collide with Baltimore’s tough realities. A co-production of CineDiaz and ITVS in association with The Center for Asian American Media, with funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and American Documentary | POV. (90 minutes)
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Film Information
The Learning (90 min.)
Premiere Date: September 20, 2011
Streaming Dates: Expired
Photos: Download here
Filmmaker: Ramona Diaz Bio | Interview | Statement
Press: Critical Acclaim | Press Release | Fact Sheet
Filmmaker
While I was born and raised in the Philippines, I’ve lived my entire adult life in the United States. I’m both an insider and an outsider, which allows me to have a distinct point of view.”
— Ramona Diaz, Filmmaker
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Film Update
September 20, 2011
Critical Acclaim
An illuminating, absorbing documentary. . . . Diaz’s heroines become the unforgettable faces of a story all the more shocking for being so little-known.”
— Ann Hornaday,
The Washington Post
The Learning is like no other teaching film — it sensitizes you in fresh and unexpected ways to the transactions between instructors and students.”
— Michael Sragow,
The Baltimore Sun
Each of the four teachers has a unique story to tell, a reason the distance between home and work is so daunting, and watching each slowly unfold is the documentary’s greatest strength.”
— Michael Gaynor,
The Washingtonian
Few real-life narratives can be more involving or inspiring than a teacher’s impact on students. . . . The Learning offers potent uplift on several fronts — not least for reminding that few things are more valuable, yet undervalued, than a truly devoted schoolteacher.”
— Dennis Harvey,
Variety
A different take on how to solve teacher shortages in inner-city schools”
— Judy Woodruff,
PBS NewsHour
Upcoming Films
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Monday, June 24
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Monday, July 1
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Monday, July 8
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