If you’re ready to book, or if you’d like to purchase an Educational License or want to stream the film at home, go to our STORE.
HOST A SCREENING
Who profits from market-based reforms — charters, vouchers and high-stakes testing? Should public education dollars pay for students at private and religious schools? Are public schools essential for our democracy?
Explore these issues and host a screening of BACKPACK FULL OF CASH, the award-winning documentary narrated by actor Matt Damon.
More
BACKPACK explores the growing trend toward privatizing public education, debunks myths and common perceptions about privately run schools, and features real-life stories of children affected by the closing of public schools.
This feature-length documentary, filmed inside classrooms, exposes the devastating impact of the corporate-driven reform movement in Philadelphia and other cities where public education, starved of resources, hangs in the balance. The film also showcases the everyday heroes fighting for public education and presents a working model for improving our schools. BACKPACK is produced by the team behind the award-winning PBS series, SCHOOL: The Story of American Public Education
.
Watch the trailer for BACKPACK FULL OF CASH
WATCH BACKPACK WITH YOUR GROUP
As the next election cycle kicks into high gear, there’s no better time to host a screening of BACKPACK. Film is a powerful, proven tool for educating and engaging communities that moves viewers toward meaningful action. Host at a school, church, theater, library, on a university campus, as part of a conference or workshop, as a kickoff for ongoing community dialogue or in another setting that works for you.
Public School Parent Bertis Downs on hosting BACKPACK
We provide you with:
- A Community Screening License — (if you are an educational institution please visit our Store)
- A copy of the film in DVD or Blu-Ray format with chapters and the option for Spanish or English subtitles
- The opportunity to arrange a post-screening Q&A with producers of BACKPACK
Online resources to help promote your event:
- A Screening Handbook with tips and resources plus a Discussion Guide with in-depth information about charters, vouchers, online schooling, etc.
- Easily customizable flyers, e-posters and e-postcards;
- Social media posts, images and quotes to share with your community
- A press release and press kit to draw attention from local media and bloggers
- Spanish-language promotional materials
Please review these commonly-asked questions and answers before you head to our online store.
Is there a fee for showing the film?
Yes, you may purchase a Community License, an Educational License or a Home Streaming License. Go to our online store to find out which one is right for you.
What type of venue should I choose for screening the film?
Some popular venues are community centers, libraries, schools, colleges, churches, movie theaters and museums. You can secure a free venue such as a church or a school auditorium. Movie theaters and performing arts centers tend to be more expensive to rent.
What formats are available?
For public screenings we offer BluRay and DVD discs. DCP -- a professional format used by some movie theaters -- is also available upon request. Home Streaming is also available from our online Store. For Educational streaming, contact Films Media Group. Sign up here for special updates and offers.
How long is the film?
The film is 96-minutes long. We recommend that you show the whole film for maximum impact. However, you are allowed to show one or more parts of the film, if you prefer. The discs are chaptered with a Scene Selection menu that makes it easy to go to the section you like.
Can I watch the film privately before my event?
When your disc arrives, you are welcome to privately watch the film, or arrange a private viewing for co-sponsors, board members or speakers before your event. (Handle the disc with care.)
Can I preview the film before buying a license?
We are not able to offer free previews of the film. However, you can stream the film privately at home, a low-cost option available at our online store. You are also welcome to check our Screenings List to see if you can watch the film at a screening near you.
Should I include a panel or Q&A at my event? If so, who should participate?
The film is designed as a discussion-starter, so scheduling a Q&A after the screening is a great idea. Local educators, lawmakers, parents and students can all make excellent panel members. The film is 96-minutes long so we suggest 20-30 minutes at most for the discussion. The Screening Handbook has specific recommendations.
Can the Director or the Producer attend my screening?
Please get in touch! The producers have participated in screenings across the U.S. and in many foreign countries. Advertising a filmmaker appearance is a great way for you to boost attendance at your event, and attract media attention. Email us at info@backpackfullofcash.com to discuss availability and fees.
Where can I find tools and resources for my screening?
Visit our website to access Community Resources available in English and in Spanish, including an editable flier and posters. Among downloadable materials are a Screening Handbook and a great Discussion Guide to help you plan your event.
Is the film available in languages other than English? With closed captions?
All our DVD and Blu-ray discs have Spanish and English subtitle options and the DVDs have closed captions as well. If you choose the Home Video Streaming License from our online Store, you will be able to select English or Spanish subtitles under Bonus Features.
Will you help promote my screening?
We will gladly add your event to the Screenings List on our website. You'll be able to provide us with the details when you checkout from the online store. Or fill out the screening information form here.
Yes, you may purchase a Community License, an Educational License or a Home Streaming License. Go to our online store to find out which one is right for you.
What type of venue should I choose for screening the film?
Some popular venues are community centers, libraries, schools, colleges, churches, movie theaters and museums. You can secure a free venue such as a church or a school auditorium. Movie theaters and performing arts centers tend to be more expensive to rent.
What formats are available?
For public screenings we offer BluRay and DVD discs. DCP -- a professional format used by some movie theaters -- is also available upon request. Home Streaming is also available from our online Store. For Educational streaming, contact Films Media Group. Sign up here for special updates and offers.
How long is the film?
The film is 96-minutes long. We recommend that you show the whole film for maximum impact. However, you are allowed to show one or more parts of the film, if you prefer. The discs are chaptered with a Scene Selection menu that makes it easy to go to the section you like.
Can I watch the film privately before my event?
When your disc arrives, you are welcome to privately watch the film, or arrange a private viewing for co-sponsors, board members or speakers before your event. (Handle the disc with care.)
Can I preview the film before buying a license?
We are not able to offer free previews of the film. However, you can stream the film privately at home, a low-cost option available at our online store. You are also welcome to check our Screenings List to see if you can watch the film at a screening near you.
Should I include a panel or Q&A at my event? If so, who should participate?
The film is designed as a discussion-starter, so scheduling a Q&A after the screening is a great idea. Local educators, lawmakers, parents and students can all make excellent panel members. The film is 96-minutes long so we suggest 20-30 minutes at most for the discussion. The Screening Handbook has specific recommendations.
Can the Director or the Producer attend my screening?
Please get in touch! The producers have participated in screenings across the U.S. and in many foreign countries. Advertising a filmmaker appearance is a great way for you to boost attendance at your event, and attract media attention. Email us at info@backpackfullofcash.com to discuss availability and fees.
Where can I find tools and resources for my screening?
Visit our website to access Community Resources available in English and in Spanish, including an editable flier and posters. Among downloadable materials are a Screening Handbook and a great Discussion Guide to help you plan your event.
Is the film available in languages other than English? With closed captions?
All our DVD and Blu-ray discs have Spanish and English subtitle options and the DVDs have closed captions as well. If you choose the Home Video Streaming License from our online Store, you will be able to select English or Spanish subtitles under Bonus Features.
Will you help promote my screening?
We will gladly add your event to the Screenings List on our website. You'll be able to provide us with the details when you checkout from the online store. Or fill out the screening information form here.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT HOSTING BACKPACK
To date, BACKPACK has screened over 440 times in 39 states and nine countries — including nine film festivals and 17 education conferences. Here’s what some hosts have to say:
“We had standing room only for our two shows. They’ve made it easy for people like me — people in the community, people who care about public schools, to do a screening in their town.” — Bertis Downs, Athens, GA Public School Parent
“This screening was a fantastic experience. The documentary is a strong tool to educate the public about this issue.” — Nadine Layfield, Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy
“My Congresswoman-elect attended my local union’s showing of BACKPACK FULL OF CASH. The film made a huge impact on her and brought her to tears.” — Sarah Attleson, Librarian, Albuquerque Public Schools
Actor and activist Matt Damon, whose mother is an educator, at the Boston premiere of BACKPACK FULL OF CASH
JOIN GROUPS WHO HAVE HOSTED SCREENINGS
Organizations that host screenings of BACKPACK include grassroots parent groups, teachers and educators, colleges and universities, policy organizations, civic and political groups, student groups and religious organizations.
Here’s a sampling of groups that have hosted BACKPACK
California Teachers Association
Grand Terrace, CA
Michigan Education Justice
Dearborn Heights, MI
Grand Erie Elementary Teachers Federation
Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Support Our Students
Birmingham, AL
Code Switch: Restorative Justice for Girls of Color
Henderson, NV
Georgia Federation of Teachers
Stockbridge, GA
NYC Community Education District Council 18
Brooklyn, NY
Westminster Teachers Association
Westminster, CA
Alachua County League of Women Voters
Gainesville, FL
Trinity College
Hartford, CT
United Teachers Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Fresno Teachers Association
Fresno, CA
University of Arizona and Save Our Schools Arizona
Tucson, AZ
Texas State Teachers Association
Donna, TX
NAACP National Convention
San Antonio, TX
Westchester Community College
Valhalla, NY
Save Our Schools AZ and Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ
Rural Community Alliance
Little Rock, AR
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
Our Voices, Our Schools and The Schott Foundation
Denver, CO
PTAs of South Tampa
Tampa, FL
Raise Your Hand Illinois
Chicago, IL