Educational Media Reviews Online

This unique wordless film shares creative ways through animation of how students recognize and face their fears with the support of friendship. The main character moves through a series of nightmares about making a classroom presentation only to find that everything that could go wrong does. The sound of the tardy bell, laughing classmates, and a stalking Principal make this humorous and symbolic DVD a delight to watch. In the end, the nightmares are dispelled and our hero recognizes his friend’s capabilities to succeed as well as his own.

The vibrant use of color through paper drawings and computer graphics are translated into a world that represents our worst fears. Young audiences can relate to their experience of anticipating a new school year and the anxiety that comes with presenting in class. The film does an excellent job of capturing the distortion and exaggeration of size, space, and sound that often filter through bad dreams in reality. The DVD contains a lesson plan booklet that is recommended for ages 10 to 13. Other relevant films suggested are Tragic Story with Happy Ending by Regina Pessoa, Here and There by Obom, and Through my Thick Glasses by Pjotr Sapegin. Nightmare at School is recommended for both academic and public library collections.