The Freedom Writers Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting at-risk students and their teachers, will host a screening of its documentary “Stories From an Undeclared War” at the Carpenter Center on Monday in an effort to reform the education system through inspiration and empowerment.
Foundation President Erin Gruwell, whom the 2007 “Freedom Writers” motion picture was based on, was an English teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach and is currently a visiting professor at Cal State Long Beach.
“Stories From an Undeclared War,” directed by Dennis Rice, follows Gruwell and her 150 Long Beach students from their freshman year of high school, in 1994, to their graduation in 1998. The documentary also shows the Freedom Writers’ present positions, including many who are now teachers.
The foundation worked with Paramount Pictures to create “Freedom Writers” starring Hilary Swank in 2007.
However, the documentary is said to be more personal. One review noted that the documentary lets the students “tell about their journey in their own voices.”
The film has debuted at festivals and events, such as the San Diego Jewish Film Festival and the Philadelphia AIDs Consortium.
It will also show at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival on Sunday.
The CSULB screening will begin at 7 p.m. A question-and-answer session and book signing with Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers will follow.
The event is free, but those who wish to attend must RSVP by calling 562-433-5388, ext.101 or email [email protected].