Mac And Ava Motion Pictures, along with The Dan and Lillian King Foundation, present 9,000 8th Graders, a 54 minute “feel good” documentary film.
| Monterey County | ||
| KSBW 8 | Saturday May 16, 7:00-8:00 pm | |
| Central Coast ABC | Saturday May 23, 6:30-7:30 pm | |
| Estrella TV | Saturday May 23, 9:00-10:00 am |
| Bay Area | ||
| KPIX | Saturday May 16, 7:00 – 8:00 pm | |
| KBCW 44 | Sunday May 24, 7:00-8:00 pm |
The filming started in August 2019 with award-winning Monterey filmmakers Terri DeBono and Steve Rosen visiting thirteen middle schools, from Pajaro to Greenfield. During over four months of production they filmed the complex preparation with teachers and staff at the Monterey County Office of Education; they interviewed numerous teachers, principals and students; they were in a dozen U.S. history classes; they filmed three bus trips, and waited in line with students at the Orpheum Theatre.
The result is the record of an extraordinary, first of its kind event – the transportation by bus of every 8th grader in Monterey County, “Not just this particular group or that particular group. Everybody!” – nearly 9,000 kids – to San Francisco for a lively portrayal of the birth of the U.S. Constitution – The Tony Award winning play HAMILTON: an American Musical.
The Dan and Lillian King Foundation’s mission, initiated by the late Lillian King, is to educate Monterey County’s students on the genesis of the United States Constitution. The California State curriculum requires U.S. history in the 8th grade. So this year, because of the generosity of the King Foundation, those lucky middle school students from every community in the county were able to learn about our country’s most important document, sitting in the opulence of San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre.
9,000 8th Graders focuses on the before; the kid’s anticipation, wonder and excitement of attending a Broadway play. And the after; their understanding and appreciation for our Founding Fathers; a group of young idealistic men who worked diligently, despite their differences, to give us the assurance of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
This excitement is reflected in the film by the universal adoption – by students, from all socio-economic groups – of the music from the play as an expression of our freedom.
Mac And Ava Motion Pictures, founded by Terri DeBono and Steve Rosen in 1987, has produced many award-winning films. Chief among them are the social issue documentaries; BEYOND BARBED WIRE; ACCIDENTAL HERO: Room 408; MY NAME IS BELLE; and BOYHOOD SHADOWS. More about; macandava.com
Promotional material at macandava.com/photos
Promotion for 9,000 8th Graders is supported by The Monterey County Film Commission.