Watch The New Public

The New Public is a compelling documentary film that portrays the realities of public education in Brooklyn. Set in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn, the film follows the lives of students, parents, and educators at a newly created public high school, the Bedford-Stuyvesant Preparatory High School (BP). The film is set in 2006, at a time when the Bed-Stuy neighborhood had experienced a decade of population growth and economic revitalization. BP was created with the goal of providing high-quality, college-preparatory education to low-income students in the area. The school was founded by passionate and driven educators who believed that a rigorous education was the key to changing the lives of the students they served.

The film follows a diverse group of students, including Jamaal, a talented spoken-word poet who dreams of attending Howard University; Ashley, a bright student who has been pushed out of other public schools due to disciplinary issues; and Ericka, a first-generation college student who is struggling to navigate the challenges of being a minority student in a predominantly white educational system.

The faculty and staff at BP are equally diverse, with a mix of experienced and new teachers who share a commitment to creating a transformative educational experience for their students. Some of the educators featured in the film include Mr. Dargan, a science teacher who uses humor and innovative teaching methods to engage his students; Mr. Greer, the school's athletic director and a role model for many of the students who struggle to avoid the negative influences of their community; and Mr. Lewis, the assistant principal who is committed to creating a supportive environment for the school's staff and students.

The filmmakers skillfully interweave interviews with the students and staff with footage from the classrooms, creating a powerful and intimate portrait of life at BP. The film depicts the daily struggles and triumphs of the students as they grapple with difficult coursework, complex social dynamics, and the pressure to succeed. The faculty and staff are shown working tirelessly to support their students, often going above and beyond their job descriptions to create a supportive and nurturing environment.

One of the film's most powerful themes is the importance of community in the educational process. BP is shown as a place where students and staff can come together to share their struggles, triumphs, and aspirations. The school's focus on diversity and inclusivity is highlighted, as students of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds come together to learn and grow.

The New Public also touches on the broader social and political issues that impact public education in America. The film shows the challenges faced by the school due to inadequate funding and a lack of resources. It highlights the ways in which the school's hardworking staff is forced to pick up the slack, often doing the work that should be handled by outside organizations and government agencies. The film also touches on issues related to race and class, showing the ways in which students from disadvantaged backgrounds face unique challenges and obstacles in their pursuit of a quality education.

Overall, The New Public is a moving and thought-provoking film that offers a nuanced and compelling perspective on the challenges facing public education in America. The film avoids simplistic solutions and easy answers, instead presenting a complex and nuanced view of the educational landscape. The filmmakers successfully capture the real struggles and triumphs of the students and staff at BP, creating a deeply human and emotionally resonant portrait of life in one of New York City's most challenging neighborhoods. Anyone with an interest in public education, social justice, or the human condition will find much to appreciate in this powerful and evocative film.

The New Public is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.