MR. WILLIAMS RETURNS TO THE SOUTH BRONX
USA, December 2007
27 min: 20 sec, Documentary
World Premiere
Screening at the Riverdale Y

Matthew Williams graduated from college and, like many other idealistic young people, he wanted to make a difference. Matthew decided that teaching would be the best avenue. So he moved to the South Bronx, home of hip hop icons KRS-1 and Grandmaster Flash, and began teaching in one of the twelve most violent schools in the nation. Discovering the challenge of engaging the students, Matthew found something that piqued their interest: movies and television. He started a video program that placed cameras in the hands of these kids and encouraged them to explore issues that were relevant to their lives. Cut to four years later: Bush is in office and No Child Left Behind is put
into action. Governmental cutbacks in education cut funding for the program, and moved education towards standardized testing. Frustrated, Matthew left New York for Los Angeles. Five years later and Matthew is still fraught with questions and doubts. Where were his students now? Did they make something of themselves? Did he impact their lives in any way? There was only one way to find out. This is a film for anyone who cares about our nation’s youth and the struggling public
education system. Mixing current verité footage with archival material, this film takes you into the heart of a culturally rich but economically poor neighborhood. Gain insight into a national problem through the personal lives and homes of the kids who are at the very heart of this debate.

Credits
Director, Producer: Matthew Williams
Editor: Matthew Williams, Tim Kolesk
Original Music/Composer: MadLib !

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