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.
Soundtrack for a Revolution
Special Event & Essay Contest | February 4, 2025
Soundtrack for a Revolution emphasizes the role of protest songs in empowering activists and fostering unity in the face of profound adversity. Using evocative black-and-white archival footage, the film provides an unflinching look at the violence and injustice faced by civil rights activists, contextualizing the significance of music as both a tool of resistance and a source of solace. It traces the movement’s trajectory from Rosa Parks’ catalytic role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. Documentary Running Time: 82 min. View Trailer.
Delores
March 3-4, 2025
Dolores Huerta is among the most important, yet least known, activists in American history. An equal partner in co-founding the first farm workers unions with Cesar Chavez, her enormous contributions have gone largely unrecognized. Dolores tirelessly led the fight for racial and labor justice alongside Chavez, becoming one of the most defiant feminists of the twentieth century—and she continues the fight to this day, in her late 80s. Documentary Running time: 98 min. View Trailer.
There’s Something in The Water
April 1, 2025
There’s Something in the Water is a disturbing and, frankly, terrifying portrait of ecological and social disasters in director Elliot Page’s native Nova Scotia. Based on Ingrid Waldron’s incendiary study, the film follows Page as he travels to rural areas of the province that are plagued by toxic fallout from industrial development. Together with collaborator Ian Daniel, Elliot discovers that these catastrophes have been precisely placed, all in remote, low-income — and very often Indigenous or Black — communities. Documentary Running time: 71 min. View Trailer.
Tell Them We Are Rising
May 6, 2025
America’s Historically Black Colleges & Universities which began before the end of slavery, flourished in the 20th century and profoundly influenced the course of the nation for over 150 years–yet largely remain unknown. In this important and engaging film, the rich history and powerful story of the rise, influence, and evolution of HBCUs comes to life. Documentary Running time: 85 min. View Trailer.
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:
