Directors/ Producers:
Marcia Jarmel & Ken Schneider

Release Date: 2009

Website: Film Website

Other online resouces: Facebook Group
Event Planning Guide




Some Americans say, “Why should our kids learn another language? Isn’t English enough?” In partnership with educators, community organizations and national non-profits, the Speaking in Tongues campaign fosters thoughtful discussion of these questions and brings people together to explore how bilingualism can contribute to cultivating citizenship for the 21st century. Join the hundreds of parents, educators, and policymakers, already sparking discussion with their family, friends, co-workers, and school boards - sign up to host a community screening or house party.

Speaking in Tongues participated in Working Films' 2009 Content + Intent Documentary Institute, which provided strategic assistance in launching the film's highly successful audience engagement initiative. Working Films has also provided extensive consultation on the campaign's interactive website. Now we are working in partnership with educators, community organizations and national professional associations and non-profit membership organizations to coordinate community based screenings, house parties, and revenue split sales of the Speaking in Tongues DVDs. We intend to support efforts for bilingual education to contribute to cultivating citizenship and success of students in the 21st century.

In Speaking in Tongues, four public school kids become bilingual, posing a provocative question with the potential to transform our country: “In the 21st century, is knowing English enough?” In this closely observed, verité style documentary, Speaking in Tongues follows these four students and their families as they encounter the challenges and delights of becoming fluent in two languages. As we witness their journey, we see how speaking more than one language changes them, their families, their communities, and maybe even the world. At a time when 31 states have passed “English Only” initiatives, Speaking in Tongues explores the compelling notion that speaking a foreign language can be a national asset.

Act Now! Join the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language to encourage your decision makers to support HR 6036.

H.R. 6036, the Excellence and Innovation in Language Learning Act, was proposed by Congressional Representatives Rush Holt (D-NJ) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) on August 1, 2010. This legislation would allow every young American to become proficient in English and a second language within a generation.

Learn more about the bill from the Asia Society.

Activist and Grassroots Community Screenings
You can buy the Pay for Itself Community Screening Package which contains a one time screening rights DVD and 5 home use DVDs that you can sell at the screening to recoup the costs.

You can also just buy the House Party DVD (one time screening rights).

For all other types of screenings, please visit: speakingintonguesfilm.info.

UPCOMING SCREENINGS

 

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