What does community mean to you? How has your community helped you, supported you, and driven you to succeed despite difficulty?

This fall, the Madison College Libraries and Academic Support Services will launch a film series with the theme “With Community, We Thrive.”

We hope you will join us to view the two films we have selected. Both feature stories of young people who, despite facing challenges in their lives, succeed with the help of those around them.

These films are available through the Libraries’ subscription database Kanopy, which offers a large collection of full-length streaming documentaries and feature films. Madison College students, faculty, and staff can try Kanopy today.

‘Racing the Rez’

This documentary from filmmaker Brian Truglio tells the story of two competing high school track teams in rural northern Arizona. Both teams are comprised mostly of Navajo and Hopi youth, many of whom live on reservations in the area.

Through the course of the documentary, both teams compete to win the state championship. In addition to running as a sport and team activity, the boys’ participation on their cross country teams has a deeper connection to the Native American history and tradition of running.

‘I Learn America’

Directed by Jean-Michel Dissard and Gitte Peng, this film highlights students at a Brooklyn high school comprised of new immigrant teens.

The students come from many different countries around the world, facing not only the normal obstacles of high school, but also language barriers, educational challenges, and making their way in a new country.

Several students are highlighted from the film, including Brandon from Guatemala, Sing from Myanmar and Itrat from Pakistan. The documentary is at times quite touching, as the students thrive and grow with the support of their teachers, guardians, and each other.

Please join us for both of these films.

At Truax the showings will be in the Truax Library Commons, which is the area right outside of the library on the third floor. “Racing the Rez” will show on Nov. 7 and Nov. 15 at 11:30 a.m. “I Learn America” will show on Nov. 29 and Dec. 5 at 11:30 a.m..

We will also be showing the film at many of our regional and metro campuses.

At the Downtown Campus “Racing the Rez” will show on Nov. 15 at 11:30 a.m., and “I Learn America” will show on Dec. 5 at 11:30 a.m. in Room D240.

For other campuses, ask the librarian for details on showing times and dates.