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Chalk *  
Showing at 04:00PM on Saturday, March 25, 2006

More Competition Films, Narrative Features

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NARRATIVE FEATURES - AMERICAN INDEPENDENT COMPETITION - SPONSORED BY

Playing Saturday, March 25 at 4:00 PM at Regal- Purchase tickets
Playing Wednesday, March 29 at 4:15 PM at Enzian*- Purchase tickets

CHALK
USA, 2005, 85 MIN
DIRECTED BY MIKE AKEL
EAST COAST PREMIERE
We live in a country in which the teaching profession is undervalued in too many ways to count. Statistics show that the difficulties teachers face lead to 50% of them quitting within the first three years. In light of this truly dismal and sobering statistic, director Mike Akel examines the phenomenon and finds its funny side as well. His mockumentary follows three novice teachers through one year at a representative Texas high school—a former software engineer and misguided altruist turned history teacher, a girl’s gym coach lacking in basic social skills, and a power-hungry philosophy teacher—all guided by a former teacher promoted to assistant principal. Both realistic and surreal, the accurately observed movie reveals the reality of today’s educational environment and will score high marks not just with educators but all who have been through the system. Lessons to be learned are here, taught through humor, heart, and, ultimately, hopefulness. Take notes!