Race to Nowhere

Name: Race to Nowhere
Director: Vicki Abeles,Jessica Congdon
Released: 2009

Vicki Abeles Jessica Congdon 2009

Featuring the heartbreaking stories of students across the country who have been pushed to the brink by over-scheduling, over-testing and the relentless pressure to achieve, “Race to Nowhere” points to a silent epidemic in our schools. Through the testimony of educators, parents and education experts, it reveals an education system in which cheating has become commonplace; students have become disengaged; stress-related illness, depression and burnout are rampant; and young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired.

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Running Time:

85 min.

Spoken Languages:

English, Mandarin, Spanish

Subtitles:

English

Directors:

Vicki Abeles Jessica Congdon

Producers:

Vicki Abeles

Cinematographers:

Maimone Attia, Sophia E. Constantinou

Editors:

Jessica Congdon

Production Companies:

Reel Link Films

Press

CBS News, Katie Couric

This film is a poignant reminder that straight A’s and high SAT scores are not the Holy Grail. We all want our kids to excel, but I’d take a happy child over a ‘depressed success’ any day of the week.

Katie Couric
The New York Times

Admirably conveys the complexity of the issue with considerably more compassion than prescription.

Jeannette Catsoulis
The Washington Post

The film has raised difficult questions about how to raise well-adjusted children at a time when schools seem test-obsessed, advanced classes are the norm and parents worry that their children will not go as far in life as they have.

Donna St. George
The Merrow Report

Race to Nowhere is honest, and that counts for a lot in my book. I urge you to see it ...This film’s message should be taken to heart.

John Merrow

Festival Participation

Alexandria Independent Film Festival - 2010
Audience Award
Mill Valley Film Festival - 2009
Official Selection
Buffalo International Film Festival - 2009
Official Selection
Sonoma International Film Festival - 2009
Official Selection
Reel Work Film Festival
Greater Reading Film Festival
California Independent Film Festival - 2010
Okanagan International Film Festival
Hamilton International Film Festival - 2010
NCTE Film Festival

Additional Materials

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