THE WAR ON KIDS’ filmmaker Cevin Soling says the uproar on President Obama’s Tuesday address to school children is absolutely misguided by both those in favor and those opposed to it.
In fact, Soling believes President Obama is misguided about inspiring school children with his speech, “They all have faith in the institution of schools.”
While he acknowledges the uproar against having school kids watch the film is “purely political,” Soling believes that today’s school systems are doing more harm than good for our children. His movie, THE WAR ON KIDS shows how American public schools continue to become more dangerously authoritarian. In addition to failing in their mission educate effectively, they erode the country's democratic foundation and often resemble prisons.
THE WAR ON KIDS won “best educational film” at the New York City International Independent Film and Video Festival this past April. It will be shown on September 30 at Harvard University in Boston. It runs November 18-25 at the Quad Cinema, in New York City.
Cevin’s documentary, THE WAR ON THE WAR ON DRUGS won NYIIFVF's best experimental feature film. Cevin has directed and produced a number of films, including: RELAX IT'S JUST SEX starring Jennifer Tilly, Lori Petty and Cynda Williams; A HOLE IN THE HEAD, which was broadcast on Discovery and The Learning Channel; and URINE: GOOD HEALTH. He also created a number of animated works, including THE BILL JOHNSON SHOW, BORIS THE DOG (which broadcast on both MTV and the BBC), CAPTAIN STICKMAN, as well as the short film, DESTRUCTION.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
THE WAR ON KIDS hits the big screen for a theatrical run
THE WAR ON KIDS will be having its first theatrical run for a week at the Quad Cinema, NYC, starting October 30-Nov.6.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
CEVIN SOLING, DOCUMENTARIAN OF THE WAR ON KIDS AVAILABLE AS A SOURCE ON COLUMBINE MASSACRE
Cevin Soling says the attack 10 years ago on April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School, in Littleton, CO did not have to happen.
Soling observes that security measures that have been used by schools in response to Columbine were already in place at Columbine at the time of the shootings. “Creating an oppressive environment replete with security cameras, locker searches, dress codes, zero tolerance policies, unfettered pharmacology, and an authoritarian culture of suspicion can instill psychosis in students. Schools across the country have adopted these tactics, and it doesn’t work.” Soling believes that it is no surprise that numerous school shootings have taken place since Columbine. “To adjust to this stifling atmosphere, many students are prescribed drugs some of which have side effects that include mania. Such was the case of Eric Harris.”
Soling talked with students currently at Columbine High School for the making of his documentary, THE WAR ON KIDS. They, and other students across the country, complained about the prison-like state that schools have become. In the film, principals and politicians complain that security in school has become the major focus of attention and resources even ahead of education.
Pharmacological abuse and the indiscriminate medicating of youth, Soling argues, have exacerbated much of violence. Most recently in the April 14th issue of USA Today, Soling claims “writer Greg Toppo outright lied when he reported that neither Columbine shooters were on anti-depressant medication when in fact Eric Harris’ autopsy revealed that he had therapeutic levels of Luvox in his system.”
(See: http://www.acolumbinesite.com/autopsies/eric9.gif)
Soling adds, "I'm very concerned about the misinformation being disseminated by the media about Columbine, the state of public schools, and prescription drugs. Almost everyone gets it wrong by examining individual participants rather than looking at the bigger picture and seeing the problem lies with the institution itself.”
Cevin Soling, who is a Masters candidate at the extension school at Harvard University, is working on a second installment of THE WAR ON KIDS to focus on the silent movement to deprive youth of all civil rights. He has produced and directed a number of award-winning films including the documentaries A HOLE IN THE HEAD, which was broadcast on Discovery and The Learning Channel, and URINE: GOOD HEALTH. Other works include the feature film, THE WAR ON THE WAR ON DRUGS. He has also created a number of animated works, including THE BILL JOHNSON SHOW, BORIS THE DOG, and CAPTAIN STICKMAN.
THE WAR ON KIDS is a 95-minute documentary that shows how American public schools continue to become more dangerously authoritarian. In addition to failing in their mission to provide education, they erode the country’s democratic foundation by denying the most basic civil rights to youth and often resemble prisons.
The Columbine Massacre occurred April 20, 1999, in the suburban town of Littleton, Colorado. High-school seniors Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris planned to kill hundreds of their peers, and ended up murdering 12 students and one teacher before killing themselves.
Soling observes that security measures that have been used by schools in response to Columbine were already in place at Columbine at the time of the shootings. “Creating an oppressive environment replete with security cameras, locker searches, dress codes, zero tolerance policies, unfettered pharmacology, and an authoritarian culture of suspicion can instill psychosis in students. Schools across the country have adopted these tactics, and it doesn’t work.” Soling believes that it is no surprise that numerous school shootings have taken place since Columbine. “To adjust to this stifling atmosphere, many students are prescribed drugs some of which have side effects that include mania. Such was the case of Eric Harris.”
Soling talked with students currently at Columbine High School for the making of his documentary, THE WAR ON KIDS. They, and other students across the country, complained about the prison-like state that schools have become. In the film, principals and politicians complain that security in school has become the major focus of attention and resources even ahead of education.
Pharmacological abuse and the indiscriminate medicating of youth, Soling argues, have exacerbated much of violence. Most recently in the April 14th issue of USA Today, Soling claims “writer Greg Toppo outright lied when he reported that neither Columbine shooters were on anti-depressant medication when in fact Eric Harris’ autopsy revealed that he had therapeutic levels of Luvox in his system.”
(See: http://www.acolumbinesite.com/autopsies/eric9.gif)
Soling adds, "I'm very concerned about the misinformation being disseminated by the media about Columbine, the state of public schools, and prescription drugs. Almost everyone gets it wrong by examining individual participants rather than looking at the bigger picture and seeing the problem lies with the institution itself.”
Cevin Soling, who is a Masters candidate at the extension school at Harvard University, is working on a second installment of THE WAR ON KIDS to focus on the silent movement to deprive youth of all civil rights. He has produced and directed a number of award-winning films including the documentaries A HOLE IN THE HEAD, which was broadcast on Discovery and The Learning Channel, and URINE: GOOD HEALTH. Other works include the feature film, THE WAR ON THE WAR ON DRUGS. He has also created a number of animated works, including THE BILL JOHNSON SHOW, BORIS THE DOG, and CAPTAIN STICKMAN.
THE WAR ON KIDS is a 95-minute documentary that shows how American public schools continue to become more dangerously authoritarian. In addition to failing in their mission to provide education, they erode the country’s democratic foundation by denying the most basic civil rights to youth and often resemble prisons.
The Columbine Massacre occurred April 20, 1999, in the suburban town of Littleton, Colorado. High-school seniors Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris planned to kill hundreds of their peers, and ended up murdering 12 students and one teacher before killing themselves.
Monday, March 9, 2009
THE WAR ON KIDS to make its film debut on March 25th in New York City.
see trailer of "The War On Kids"
THE WAR ON KIDS will be making its debut at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival, on Wednesday, March 25, at 6 PM. The film will be shown at Village East Cinema's screen seven. Village East Cinema is located in the heart of the East Village at 181 2nd Avenue off of 12th Street.
THE WAR ON KIDS is a 99 minute documentary that shows how American public schools continue to become more dangerously authoritarian. In addition to failing in their mission to provide education, they erode the country’s democratic foundation and often resemble prisons. School children are interviewed as are high school teachers and administrators, and prison security guards, plus renowned educators and authors including:
Henry Giroux: Author of Stealing Innocence Corporate Culture's War on Children
Mike A. Males: Sociologist, author of Scapegoat Generation
John Gatto: New York City and New York State Teacher of the Year
Judith Browne: Associate Director of the Advancement Project
Dan Losen: The Civil Liberties Project, Harvard University
Music in the film is performed by The Chumps, Tommy Gardner, John S. Hall, and Laura Mayer with Scott Grinthal.
THE WAR ON KIDS is directed by Cevin Soling who won the NYIIFVF award for best experimental feature film, THE WAR ON THE WAR ON DRUGS, in 2005. Cevin has directed and produced a number of films, including: RELAX IT'S JUST SEX starring Jennifer Tilly, Lori Petty and Cynda Williams; A HOLE IN THE HEAD, which was broadcast on Discovery and The Learning Channel; and URINE: GOOD HEALTH. He also created a number of animated works, including THE BILL JOHNSON SHOW, BORIS THE DOG, CAPTAIN STICKMAN, as well as the short film, DESTRUCTION.
The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) was founded in 1993. NYIIFVF has been recognized by the film and entertainment industry as one of the leading film events on the independent festival circuit. The festival hosts film, music and art events in the two entertainment capitals of the United States: New York and Los Angeles.
Attracting many global entries, both novice and famous filmmakers/actors have been featured at the Festival, including Abel Ferrara, Andy Garcia, Calista Flockhart, Selma Blair, Ewan McGregor, Dominique Swain, Cameron Diaz, Christopher Walken, Daryl Hannah, Eva Herzigova, Guy Pearce, George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Modine, Rod Steiger, Tippi Hedren, Tony Danza, Willem Dafoe and Vin Diesel. In an interview with MOVIE MAKER, Abel Ferrara said, "This festival is the real deal; everybody else just talks about doing it and these guys just do it."
The phone number for the NYIIFVF is 702-361-1430 and the web site: http://www.nyfilmvideo.com/
THE WAR ON KIDS will be making its debut at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival, on Wednesday, March 25, at 6 PM. The film will be shown at Village East Cinema's screen seven. Village East Cinema is located in the heart of the East Village at 181 2nd Avenue off of 12th Street.
THE WAR ON KIDS is a 99 minute documentary that shows how American public schools continue to become more dangerously authoritarian. In addition to failing in their mission to provide education, they erode the country’s democratic foundation and often resemble prisons. School children are interviewed as are high school teachers and administrators, and prison security guards, plus renowned educators and authors including:
Henry Giroux: Author of Stealing Innocence Corporate Culture's War on Children
Mike A. Males: Sociologist, author of Scapegoat Generation
John Gatto: New York City and New York State Teacher of the Year
Judith Browne: Associate Director of the Advancement Project
Dan Losen: The Civil Liberties Project, Harvard University
Music in the film is performed by The Chumps, Tommy Gardner, John S. Hall, and Laura Mayer with Scott Grinthal.
THE WAR ON KIDS is directed by Cevin Soling who won the NYIIFVF award for best experimental feature film, THE WAR ON THE WAR ON DRUGS, in 2005. Cevin has directed and produced a number of films, including: RELAX IT'S JUST SEX starring Jennifer Tilly, Lori Petty and Cynda Williams; A HOLE IN THE HEAD, which was broadcast on Discovery and The Learning Channel; and URINE: GOOD HEALTH. He also created a number of animated works, including THE BILL JOHNSON SHOW, BORIS THE DOG, CAPTAIN STICKMAN, as well as the short film, DESTRUCTION.
The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) was founded in 1993. NYIIFVF has been recognized by the film and entertainment industry as one of the leading film events on the independent festival circuit. The festival hosts film, music and art events in the two entertainment capitals of the United States: New York and Los Angeles.
Attracting many global entries, both novice and famous filmmakers/actors have been featured at the Festival, including Abel Ferrara, Andy Garcia, Calista Flockhart, Selma Blair, Ewan McGregor, Dominique Swain, Cameron Diaz, Christopher Walken, Daryl Hannah, Eva Herzigova, Guy Pearce, George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Modine, Rod Steiger, Tippi Hedren, Tony Danza, Willem Dafoe and Vin Diesel. In an interview with MOVIE MAKER, Abel Ferrara said, "This festival is the real deal; everybody else just talks about doing it and these guys just do it."
The phone number for the NYIIFVF is 702-361-1430 and the web site: http://www.nyfilmvideo.com/
THE WAR ON KIDS, Fast Facts
A BRIEF HISTORY OF COURT DECISIONS
THAT RESTRICT OR VOID STUDENT’S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
“In light of the history of American public education, it cannot seriously be suggested that the First Amendment “freedom of speech” encompasses a student’s right to speak in public schools.” – Justice Clarence Thomas
Ingraham v. Wright (1977)
Due process in not required prior to hitting a child in school and corporal punishment does not constituted cruel and unusual punishment.
New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985)
Probable cause is not required prior to searching a student. Suspicion directed towards a specific student is sufficient cause.
Bethel School District v. Fraser (1986)
School may restrict student’s freedom of speech even if the speech is not disruptive.
Vernonia School District v. Action (1995)
Suspicion is not required to test students participating in athletics for drugs and test does not need to be directed towards a specific student.
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1998)
Schools may censor student newspapers.
Board of Education of Independent School District No. 92 of Pottawatomie County v. Earls (2002)
Testing for drugs may be extended to student involved any extracurricular activity without cause or suspicion
Morse v. Frederick (2007)
Language that a principal may deem as promoting illegal drug use may be restricted and subject to punishment even if it is off of school property.
THAT RESTRICT OR VOID STUDENT’S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
“In light of the history of American public education, it cannot seriously be suggested that the First Amendment “freedom of speech” encompasses a student’s right to speak in public schools.” – Justice Clarence Thomas
Ingraham v. Wright (1977)
Due process in not required prior to hitting a child in school and corporal punishment does not constituted cruel and unusual punishment.
New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985)
Probable cause is not required prior to searching a student. Suspicion directed towards a specific student is sufficient cause.
Bethel School District v. Fraser (1986)
School may restrict student’s freedom of speech even if the speech is not disruptive.
Vernonia School District v. Action (1995)
Suspicion is not required to test students participating in athletics for drugs and test does not need to be directed towards a specific student.
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1998)
Schools may censor student newspapers.
Board of Education of Independent School District No. 92 of Pottawatomie County v. Earls (2002)
Testing for drugs may be extended to student involved any extracurricular activity without cause or suspicion
Morse v. Frederick (2007)
Language that a principal may deem as promoting illegal drug use may be restricted and subject to punishment even if it is off of school property.
THE WAR ON KIDS music
“The Evil Children”
Written by John S. Hall
Performed by John S. Hall
“School is Cool”
Written by Lauren Mayer
Performed by Lauren Mayer and Scott Grinthal
“I Hate My School”
Written by Jeffrey McDonald and Steven McDonald
Performed by The Chumps
“Can’t Wait to Go to School”
Written by Tommy Gardner
Performed by Tommy Gardner
Written by John S. Hall
Performed by John S. Hall
“School is Cool”
Written by Lauren Mayer
Performed by Lauren Mayer and Scott Grinthal
“I Hate My School”
Written by Jeffrey McDonald and Steven McDonald
Performed by The Chumps
“Can’t Wait to Go to School”
Written by Tommy Gardner
Performed by Tommy Gardner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
