A FILM EXPLORING THE REAL COST OF PRIVATIZING
AMERICA'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS
"Everyone who values democratic education needs to see this."
-- Jonathan Kozol, Advocate for children and author of Savage Inequalities
"A heartbreaking account of massive educational theft."
-- George Abbott White, Massachusetts public school teacher for 42 years
"This film tells a cautionary tale that is real. It's present."
-- Barbara Silva, Public Education Advocate, Support Our Students Alberta
BACKPACK
FULL OF
CASH
NARRATED BY MATT DAMON
Show 'Backpack'!
Join the more than 3,000 groups, institutions and individuals from around the U.S.—and the globe—who have contacted us about screenings! Click below to find out how you can bring the film to your campus or community.
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ABOUT THE FILM
Narrated by Matt Damon, this feature-length documentary explores the growing privatization of public schools and the resulting impact on America’s most vulnerable children. Filmed in Philadelphia, New Orleans, Nashville and other cities, BACKPACK FULL OF CASH takes viewers through the tumultuous 2013-14 school year, exposing the world of corporate-driven education “reform” where public education -- starved of resources -- hangs in the balance.
GET INVOLVED
In many places, public education is at a tipping point. Leaders in Washington are calling for a massive increase in funds to expand privately-run charter schools and vouchers. Now is the time to join the movement to stop privatization and strengthen public schools.
SHOW 'BACKPACK'!
Host a screening in your community or buy the film for your educational institution. Film can be a formidable tool for bringing people together, sparking discussion and driving change.
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EXPLORE ISSUES
Connect with groups working to support and strengthen public schools that serve all students equitably. Learn more about the issues involved.
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DONATE
BACKPACK can spark discussions and pave the way for meaningful change. Help fuel our nationwide community engagement campaign!
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THOUGHT LEADERS
Here are some of the individuals who were interviewed for BACKPACK FULL OF CASH, and whose impressive work we drew upon in making our documentary film.
DAVID KIRP
Dr. Kirp is a professor of Public Policy at U.C. Berkeley. A well-known journalist whose articles regularly appear in the New York...
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DIANE RAVITCH
Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education, historian and public intellectual, Ravitch is the author of numerous books about education...
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KARRAN HARPER ROYAL
Harper Royal is a New Orleans parent and public school advocate. She is Assistant Director of the Pyramid Community Parent Resource...
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LINDA DARLING-HAMMOND
An international researcher and education policy analyst, Dr. Darling Hammond currently serves as President & CEO of the Learning...
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HELEN GYM
A Philadelphia City councilperson, Gym is the first Asian American woman to hold that position. She is also a community organizer,...
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RHONDA BROWNSTEIN
Legal Director of the Southern Poverty Law Center, Brownstein formerly served as Executive Director of The Education Law Center of...
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OTIS HACKNEY
Chief Education Officer for the City of Philadelphia and an advocate for Community Schools, Hackney served as Principal of South Philadelphia...
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NARRATOR
MATT DAMON
Matt Damon is an Academy-Award winning actor, film producer and screenwriter. He is also an advocate for public schools. Matt’s mother, Dr. Nancy Carlsson-Paige, is an expert on early childhood development and author whose books include Taking Back Childhood: A Proven Roadmap for Raising Confident, Creative, and Compassionate Kids.
“I got involved in BACKPACK FULL OF CASH because I believe that every kid should have access to great public schools. I got a great education in public schools and my mom is an educator so I know just how hard teachers work every day.”
- Matt Damon
UPCOMING SCREENINGS
Check to see if there is a screening near you. If not,
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to find out how you can host a screening and bring BACKPACK to your community.
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