My Name is Pedro 2017
Distributed by Passion River Films, 154 Mt. Bethel Rd., Warren, NJ 07059; 732-321-0711
Produced by Lillian LaSalle, Jonathan Clasberry, and Mike Fowler
Directed by Lillian LaSalle
Streaming, 99 mins
General Adult
Activism; Education
Date Entered: 04/30/2021
Reviewed by Skye M. Limón, Electronic Resources Assistant Librarian, Texas A&M University-KingsvilleMy Name is Pedro follows Pedro Santana, an unorthodox educator from New York. Because of the guidance of one great teacher this special-education student became the principal of one of the toughest middle schools in the Tremont neighborhood in the Bronx and flipped circumstances for the positive. This documentary is an examination of his relationship with education and how he turned every obstacle into an opportunity while positively impacting so many students lives.
The presentation of this film is full of joy but it tends to be slow paced. The tone also changes towards the end but not the overall message. My Name is Pedro is a celebration of Pedro’s life and what can happen when you have a teacher that really cares about their students. It walks through different highs and lows that he encountered in his career and personal life. There is some use of animation to move the story along.
One of the films strengths are the interviews with past co-workers, administrators, students, and family. It is a character study that gets filled out as the film progresses. It also chronologically shows the time that Pedro was the assistant superintendent in the East Ramapo school district. It reveals the behind the scenes work of the school board and how politics can come into play.
In the end this film has an optimism about it with the message that every kid can learn despite their circumstance. It would be a great film to show to students going into education.
Awards:
Winner: Best Documentary, Golden Door International Film Festival;
Winner: Spotlight on Documentary Award, St. Louis International Film Festival;
Winner: Audience Award, Chicago Latino International Film Festival;
Winner: Audience Award, Brooklyn Film Festival;
Winner: Award of Merit, Impact Docs;
Winner: Honorable Mention, Woodstock Film Festival;
Official Selection: Women’s Filmmaker Showcase, BAFF;
Official Selection: San Diego Latino International Film Festival
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