S1.E4 ∙ The Outsiders

A postman walks through the desert, his life flows slowly as does the desert sand. He is the only link between the secluded villagers, however, this is about to change due to a small technological device.

The American public school system hangs in the balance. High-stakes testing and corporate reformers tipped the scales toward a culture of learning that favors standardization over innovation. Schools closed. Teachers fired. Students denied a culture of social, emotional and intellectual growth necessary to inspire lifelong learning. Defies Measurement ignites the topic of public school education in an insightful, new way. The documentary is framed around the story of students, parents and teachers at Chipman Middle School (where I was a teacher). It features home movies, still photographs, news stories and extensive interviews with renowned experts in national education and education policy. From high-stakes testing to corporate agendas, Defies Measurement aims to educate its audience about the damaging effects of education reform and to inspire action.

Lea is a 30 year old transsexual, a shemale, in the Hamra district of Beirut. In Liban, transsexuality is prohibited by law. The transgender community is constantly threatened which leads her to live at night, working as an escort girl and locked in her apartment at the Hotel Stars. She refuses to be a victim of her condition and finds a way to an existence that resembles as much as possible a 'normal' life, the life of everyone...

In this documentary film, five boys, world renowned break dancers known as Knèf Crew, try to pursue their dream in a city where dreaming is now a privilege for few.

Kayla is a transgender woman from New Hampshire and Shane is a transgender man from New York City. Both have to lose weight to be able to have their gender reassignment surgeries.

The film paints a kaleidoscopic view of the arctic town and its spirit, awakening one youth, one era, one town magically. The movie is personal and local as well as general and universal.