When the students of a tennessee middle school began studying the holocaust nobody could have predicted the results. The children started collecting paper clips to help visualize the vast number of victims and their efforts culminated in a unique memorial that changed the lives of everyone involved. Studio: Arts Alliance America Release Date: 08/14/2007 Run time: 84 minutes
Paper Clips is an inspiring 2004 documentary about a consciousness-raising project that blossomed into something beautiful at a rural Tennessee school. When the principal of Whitwell Middle School sought a program that would teach diversity to a predominantly white, Protestant student body, the notion of focusing on the Holocaust--specifically Hitler's extermination of six million Jews--seemed like an obvious way to go. But understanding what "six million" looks like became a challenge. Thus was born the idea of collecting that number of paper clips at Whitwell as a visual reference.
But then it turned out paper clips actually have, in historical terms, symbolic value where the Holocaust is concerned. In this moving film, one sees Whitwell students dig into research on Germany's genocidal campaign, solicit clips from a variety of leaders and celebrities, and make a name for themselves on the national news. In time, the world comes to Whitwell's doorstep, via unsolicited donations of clips from people around the world, and in a tearful meeting of students and Holocaust survivors. The dimensions of the project, the lessons about prejudice and intolerance, are stunning to watch grow beyond anyone's wildest expectations. This is a great film for families and classrooms to watch together. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Paper Clips: A must see film for all who care about not only educating children, but changing their lives forever:
PaperClips is a true story about the Principal of a middle school in a small, rural, farming community in Tennessee. Fully aware that most of the children have had little exposure to world history, and in particular, the Holocaust, her dream is to find a teacher who would be willing to devote the year to the study of this subject. When a teacher steps forth, both she and the Principal discover that the children are sensitive, responsive, eager to reach out to survivors, and to create a memorial to all... more info
Paper Clips:
An outstanding documentary. I recommend this inspiring story to anyone seeking to enhance a study of the Holocaust.
Never Forget!:
I had heard of this documentary through a colleague. Without previewing it, I immediately ordered it and waited approximately 6 weeks to receive it. Over the past two years, I have shown this film to both 11th & 12th graders in my US History as well as to teachers in my graduate course. The reactions are always the same...shock and resolve. You see, my students are learning disabled and, if they had lived during this very dark time in history, probably would not have survived this horrific experience.... more info
The Power of an Idea:
My daughter came home charged from watching PAPER CLIPS at her school. She begged for her own copy, so our family settled in to humor her by watching it. Oh, my! What inspiration! We were moved at the sensitivity of the producers in creating a documentary that could have been sappy and sentimental but that is, instead, powerful and moving in its simplicity. As a mom, I'm thrilled to have this documentary in our home collection. As a teacher, I'm excited beyond words to return to my classroom to move our... more info
