Cinema Classroom at the Avalon
A free program for 6th-12th grade classes, Cinema Classroom at the Avalon engages students in critical issues through screenings and expert-guided discussions.
Here at the Avalon Theatre, we are excited to engage DC students in critical issues through screenings and guided discussions. We invite DC educators to register for our 2024-2025 Cinema Classroom program, an offering of curated films and educational experiences that focus on pressing human rights and social justice issues.
If you are not already on our Cinema Classroom email list, we strongly recommend you sign up for updates.
2024-2025 Programs:
Cinema Classroom offers the following free programming to schools and students, grades 6-12:
Programs begin at 10:00am and run approximately 2 1/2 hours.
- Space is limited—advanced registration is required.
- Our FREE, in-theater programming welcomes 6th through 12th grade students.
- Register early to take advantage of our limited budget for free transportation.
- We offer expanded curriculum linked to DCPS standards in advance of each screening.
- Each film program includes a short introduction to film literacy and both pre-and post-screening workshops.
- As scheduling allows, each screening is followed by an expert-led discussion.
- Healthy snacks are provided.
Download a PDF brochure of our 2024 programs.
The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler
Oct 8, 2024
THE COURAGEOUS HEART OF IRENA SENDLER tells the story of one of the most remarkable and most unlikely heroes of World War II, a young woman who saved 2500 Jewish children during the German occupation of Poland. Documentary Running Time: 95 min. View Trailer.
Inocente
November 12, 2024
A 2013 Oscar Winner, INOCENTE is an intensely personal documentary about a young artist’s determination never to surrender to the bleakness of her surroundings. At 15, Inocente refuses to let her dream of becoming an artist be caged by her life as an undocumented immigrant forced to live homeless for the last nine years. Documentary Running Time: 40 min. View Trailer.
Chasing Coral
December 2-3, 2024
Coral reefs around the world are vanishing at an unprecedented rate. In CHASING CORAL, divers, photographers, and scientists set out on an ocean adventure to discover why the reefs are disappearing and to reveal the underwater mystery to the world. Documentary Running Time: 93 min. View Trailer.
Soundtrack for a Revolution
Special Event & Essay Contest | TBD
SOUNDTRACK FOR A REVOLUTION tells the story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music—the freedom songs protesters sang on picket lines, in mass meetings, in paddy wagons, and in jail cells as they fought for justice and equality. The freedom songs evolved from slave chants, from the labor movement, and especially from the black church. The music enabled blacks to sing words they could not say, and it was crucial in helping the protesters as they faced down brutal aggression with dignity and non-violence. The film features new performances of the freedom songs by notable artists, riveting archival footage and interviews with civil rights foot soldiers and leaders. Documentary Running Time: 82 min. View Trailer.
Our Essay Contest Returns Fall 2024!
Our annual essay contest, exclusively for DC’s high school students attending public and charter schools, is your students’ chance to demonstrate their writing and film analysis skills. Last year, talented DC students won $2500 in prizes! Join our email and receive more information.
Teacher Praise for Cinema Classroom:
“One of the highlights of our virtual school year. The materials were rich and easy to adapt to our needs. My students talked about the film and Dr. Smith for days. I am so grateful to the Avalon Theatre for helping reinvigorate my 8th graders.” — Hardy Middle School (Soundtrack for a Revolution)
“Our 9th graders were thrilled and enamored. The film’s visuals were highly engaging and left a lasting impression. The biology team was also very impressed with the questions the students had for Mr. Hocever, as well as his extensive experience in the field of marine biology.” — Capital City PCHS (Chasing Coral)
Contact Rebecca Dupas with any questions at 202-966-2149 (voice mailbox) or email rdupas@theavalon.org.
This program was made possible, in part, through our membership with the DC Collaborative.
Cinema Classroom at the Avalon Program Partner:
Cinema Classroom at the Avalon Program Sponsors:
