Testimonials

What Viewers Are Saying

What The Press is Saying

“Riveting…Debunks the notion that market-based ‘reforms’ will improve public education.”

— David Sciarra, Executive Director,
Education Law Center (Newark, NJ)

“Eye-opening…Straightforward and without any frills, “Backpack” is a call to action for any mother, father and student.”

Escape Into Film – Seattle International Film Festival Capsule Movie Reviews

“A beautiful film– tremendously moving!…Everyone who values democratic education needs to see this.”

— Jonathan Kozol, Advocate for children and author of Savage Inequalities

“We’re used to seeing Matt Damon starring in blockbuster movies, but [this role] shows that he’s still an indie film guy at heart.”

Emily Sweeney – The Boston Globe

“A cautionary tale that is real, it’s present, and the threat is closer than anyone realizes.”

— Barbara Silva, Public Education Advocate,
Support Our Students (Alberta, Canada)

“A scary but important story about…the country’s most important civic institution.”

Valerie Strauss – The Washington Post

“Terrific! An amazing accomplishment, full of meaning and emotion.”

— Nancy Carlsson-Paige, Educator and Author of
Taking Back Childhood

“Striking images…Backpack Full of Cash exposes the insidious effects of charter schools on on public education today.”

The Independent Magazine

“A heartbreaking account of massive educational theft.”

— George Abbott White, Massachusetts public school teacher for 42 years

“A must-see…Shows how real people are affected by these policies. Thus, it has real impact.”

The Huffington Post

“Hard Hitting! People know in their gut that something is wrong but they don’t know the details. The film can get into every community and be used thousands of times.”

— Matthew Seig, Award Winning Filmmaker and
Media Specialist, NY Foundation for the Arts

“Backpack Full of Cash is destined to be one of the most talked about documentaries of the year.”

SurgeTV.com (Atlanta, GA)

“So, here’s my advice: SEE THIS FILM! If you care about public education and you want to know what we public school advocates are fighting for, SEE THIS FILM!”

— My Two Cents – Mary J. Holden blog — Nashville, TN

“BACKPACK holds back no punches.”

Stephan Boissonneault – Vue Daily
(Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)

“Filmmaker Sarah Mondale is no stranger to education. As a teacher, she’s spent years seeing firsthand what makes public schools tick. And as a filmmaker, she’s devoted much of her career to documentaries exploring America’s public schools. The latest, Backpack Full of Cash, takes viewers inside public schools to examine how “choice” impacts the education system as a whole.”

Westword – Denver, CO

“Thought-provoking…A compelling argument against privatization and school vouchers.”

Michael Compton – Bowling Green Daily News
(Bowling Green, KY)

“If you’re still ​Waiting for ​Superman, stop. ​Go watch Backpack Full of Cash!”

Tim Slekar – BustED Pencils radio (Madison, WI)

“Adults: Whether you have kids of your own or not, this is a film worth watching.”

Valley Advocate – Northampton, MA