Films about Racism for Children:
General Description:
Films about racism for children tackle the sensitive and important topic of racial discrimination in a way that is accessible and appropriate for young viewers. These films aim to educate children about the harmful effects of racism and promote empathy, understanding, and inclusivity. By addressing this issue at an early age, these films play a crucial role in fostering a more tolerant and inclusive society.
List of Films:
“Ruby Bridges”, 1998
Director: Euzhan Palcy
This film tells the inspiring true story of Ruby Bridges, a young African American girl who became the first African American student to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. Through her bravery and determination, Ruby Bridges teaches young viewers about the importance of standing up against racism and fighting for equality.
Starring: Penelope Ann Miller, Kevin Pollak, Michael Beach, Jean Louisa Kelly, Peter Francis James, Patrika Darbo, Chaz Monet, Diana Scarwid, Lela Rochon, Toni Ann Johnson, Michael Burgess, Al Butler, Charlie Lucas, Kiara Tucker, Christopher Stokes, Whitney Tucker, Georgia Weeks, Jeffrey Spoto, Derin Altay, Ralph Wilcox, Joan Gibson, Robin Robertson, John P. Menese, Brandon D. Morgan, Paula Davis, Joe Maggard, John Keenan, Gil Johnson, Chuck Kinlaw, D.L. Anderson, Christian Fincannon, Frank Aaron, Bo Keister, David F. Maxwell, Mary Elizabeth White;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Ruby Bridges” on the website imdb.com
“The Watsons Go to Birmingham”, 2013
Director: Kenny Leon
Based on the novel by Christopher Paul Curtis, this film follows the Watson family as they travel from their home in Flint, Michigan to Birmingham, Alabama during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Through the eyes of 10-year-old Kenny, viewers witness the challenges and injustices faced by African Americans during this time, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding.
Starring: Bryce Clyde Jenkins, Harrison Knight, Skai Jackson, Anika Noni Rose, Wood Harris, David Alan Grier, Shameik Moore, Josephine Lawrence, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Bailey Tippen, Tyrin Niles, E. Roger Mitchell, Javon Johnson, Margo Moorer, Lori Beth Sikes, Pauletta Washington, Zoe Myers, Bart Hansard, Enoch King, Randall Taylor, Jermaine Holt, John Atwood, Ryelin Abbott, De'Marco Arrington, Wadette Bradford, Scott Burns, Mariama Diallo, John Edward Doyle Jr., Cedric Hatcher, Gregory Hepburn, Gregory Hunter, John Jaret, Meg Jay, Beth Keener, Jonathan S. Kennedy, Tatiana McSwain, Drew Orey, A'Nya Schofield, Eli Shannon, Tony D Sims, Kathy Walton, Wenzell Washington, Joseph Wood III, Rosalind Woods, John Fleischmann, Jason Nicholson, Michael J. Walker;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, family, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 87 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “The Watsons Go to Birmingham” on the website imdb.com
“Akeelah and the Bee”, 2006
Director: Doug Atchison
While not explicitly about racism, this film addresses themes of discrimination and overcoming societal expectations. The story revolves around Akeelah, an 11-year-old African American girl with a talent for spelling. As she navigates the cutthroat world of spelling bees, Akeelah confronts prejudice and stereotypes, teaching young viewers about the power of determination and self-belief.
Starring: Keke Palmer, Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Curtis Armstrong, J.R. Villarreal, Sean Michael, Sahara Ware, Lee Thompson Young, Julito McCullum, Erica Hubbard, Eddie Steeples, Dalia Phillips, Ma Tzi, Jeris Poindexter, Sara Niemietz, George Hornedo, Craig Wasson, Katie Kerwin McCrimmon, Marjorie Harris, Jacques Bailly, Krysten Leigh Jones, Amirah Hawkins, Jeff Marlow, Chloé Conroy, Lee Garlington, Sidney Ganis, Austin Herrera Davis, Janet Borrus, Wolfgang Bodison, Marcus Hawkins Dungey, Bonita Friedericy, Caroline J. Smith, Neil Soni, Jack Ong, Lauren Sanchez, Fay Hauser, Keshell Lucas, Corina Boettger, Shyann Chatman, Todd Wagner, Brittany Curran, Alexandra Rieger, Eric Don, Julia Kelleher, Zac Gardner, John A. Ausick, Maddy Kloss, Mason Green, Jessy J. Hwang, Biplab Panda;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Akeelah and the Bee” on the website imdb.com
“The Color of Friendship”, 2000
Director: Kevin Hooks
Inspired by true events, this Disney Channel Original Movie explores the unlikely friendship between a white American girl and a black South African girl during the Apartheid era. As they learn about each other's cultures and confront their own prejudices, the girls discover the importance of acceptance and unity.
Starring: Lindsey Haun, Shadia Simmons, Carl Lumbly, Penny Johnson Jerald, Anthony Burnett, Travis Kyle Davis, Melanie Nicholls-King, Susan Danford, Stephen Jennings, Michael Kanevsky, Ahmad Stoner, Ryan Cooley, David Rosser, Michelyn Emelle, Erik Kilpatrick, Holly Dennison, Moira Dunphy, Andrew Rudder, Micah Nelson, Shaun Austin-Olsen, Soo Garay, Erik Dellums, Susan Spencer, Allen Stewart-Coates, Matthew Cooke, Ray Kahnert, Jamie Watling, Brian Mellersh, Jeff A. Wright, Michael T. Burgess, Matthew Brown, Ceciley Jenkins, Bill Parrot;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, family, biography;
Duration: 87 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “The Color of Friendship” on the website imdb.com
“Selma, Lord, Selma”, 1999
Director: Charles Burnett
Set during the Civil Rights Movement, this film tells the story of an 11-year-old African American girl named Sheyann Webb. Sheyann becomes involved in the historic Selma to Montgomery marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through her perspective, viewers witness the bravery and resilience of young activists and learn about the fight for equal rights.
Starring: Mackenzie Astin, Jurnee Smollett, Clifton Powell, Ella Joyce, Yolanda King, Elizabeth Omilami, Afemo Omilami, Brett Rice, Tom Nowicki, Margo Moorer, Von Coulter, Laura-Shay Griffin, Danny Nelson, Faruq Tauheed, Stephanie Zandra Peyton, Zachary Rogers, L. Warren Young, Bob Banks, Brian Beegle, Whitt Brantley, Gerald Brown, George Faughnan, Leland L. Jones, Patty Mack, James Mayberry, Richard Reed, Tom Turbiville, Alex Van, James Van Harper, Teena Flowers, Rodney L. James, Kyle Massey, Faye Yvette McQueen, Sharyn Shields, Clay Cranford, Patrice Jackson, Stephen Rollins, Shayne Tingle, Wade Woods;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Selma, Lord, Selma” on the website imdb.com
These films provide age-appropriate narratives that address the issue of racism, helping children develop a greater understanding and empathy towards others, and encouraging them to stand up against discrimination.
The selection of films about racism for children offers a powerful and necessary exploration of this complex issue. These films provide a platform for children to engage with themes of diversity, equality, and empathy, fostering important conversations about race and discrimination from an early age. By presenting relatable characters and thought-provoking narratives, these films inspire young viewers to challenge prejudice and embrace inclusivity, ultimately contributing to a more compassionate and harmonious society. The impact of these films extends beyond entertainment, as they serve as invaluable tools for educating and empowering the next generation to become advocates for social justice.
