The Unmaking of a College

Released Feb 11, 2022

1h 24m

Documentary

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This is a film about young people on a rescue mission--for a school and an educational philosophy. The Unmaking of a College delves into the 2019 crisis at Hampshire College when students led a 75-day sit-in--the longest in American college history--at the new president's office to thwart her underhanded attempt to give up the independence of one of the most experimenting colleges in the United States. From the start, the students were filming events to hold the administration accountable and empower their movement. Alum Goldstein weaves their powerful documentation with interviews with students, professors, whistleblowers, and alumni including filmmaker Ken Burns. A raucous ode to democracy in action, this film evokes the courage required to stand up to power at a time when many liberal arts colleges are failing. Can the storied tradition of liberal arts education--and the nation it has created--be saved? This is a story of young people moved to action by these questions, how they were changed forever by their choices, and how they are becoming our future leaders.

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Sarah-Tai Black

Los Angeles Times

While “The Unmaking of a College” stands as an important document of Hampshire history, it lacks the practical skills and vision needed to allure outside audiences.

Feb 18, 2022

Full Review

Ben Kenigsberg

New York Times

The testaments to Hampshire’s distinctive academic culture aren’t especially germane. Hampshire may be experimental and hip, but in its sustainability issues, it’s hardly unique.

Feb 10, 2022

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Jason Flatt

But Why Tho? A Geek Community

By the end of The Unmaking of a College end, I was quite invested. I got really emotional watching the finale unfold, thanks especially to the strong direction and editing of the final third.

Rated: 7/10

Jan 5, 2023

Full Review

Raquel Stecher

Quelle Movies

While the subject matter is fascinating in its own right, this documentary was difficult to get through.

Jun 14, 2022

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Sarah Boslaugh

TheArtsStl

The Unmaking of a College is a film with a definite point of view, not only about the value of Hampshire, but about the value of attending a small liberal arts college.

May 6, 2022

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Todd Jorgenson

Cinemalogue

Confronting some urgent issues, this documentary incisively encapsulates the historical efficacy of student protests and financial pressures facing small liberal-arts colleges, even if its less persuasive in chronicling its specific central case.

Feb 11, 2022

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Audience Member

I left feeling like I had spent a couple of hours talking to some amazing student activists. Combined, the narrative and the visuals provide an insightful view of this important event....as if you were there.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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Amy Goldstein

Director

Ken Burns

Self

Amy Goldstein

Producer

Troy Takaki

Producer

Anouchka van Riel

Producer

Amy Goldstein

Cinematographer

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Synopsis

This is a film about young people on a rescue mission--for a school and an educational philosophy. The Unmaking of a College delves into the 2019 crisis at Hampshire College when students led a 75-day sit-in--the longest in American college history--at the new president's office to thwart her underhanded attempt to give up the independence of one of the most experimenting colleges in the United States. From the start, the students were filming events to hold the administration accountable and empower their movement. Alum Goldstein weaves their powerful documentation with interviews with students, professors, whistleblowers, and alumni including filmmaker Ken Burns. A raucous ode to democracy in action, this film evokes the courage required to stand up to power at a time when many liberal arts colleges are failing. Can the storied tradition of liberal arts education--and the nation it has created--be saved? This is a story of young people moved to action by these questions, how they were changed forever by their choices, and how they are becoming our future leaders.

Director: Amy Goldstein
Distributor: Zeitgeist Films
Production Co: SPAN Productions
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 11, 2022, Limited
Runtime: 1h 24m

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