"The Right to Read" Free Film Screening and Post Discussion presented by Utah Film Center

Join the Utah Film Center on Wednesday, March 15 at 7 pm at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center for a screening of the newly premiered film, The Right to Read, featuring local Utah filmmaker Jenny Mackenzie.

Presented as part of the Utah Film Center’s Through the Lens Spring Series and in partnership with KUER’s Radiowest, The Right to Read highlights the challenges of improving literacy rates in the US among children, particularly, those from Black and Brown communities. 

The Right to Read follows Oakland NAACP activist, Kareem Weaver, who believes literacy is our most important civil right. With a focus on Black and brown children, Kareem demands Oakland schools bring in science-based reading instruction. First-grade teacher Sabrina Causey becomes one of his most critical allies. Despite heated debates on reading instruction, parents and advocates work to increase literacy rates throughout the country. In Virginia Beach, Teresa trains parents in oral language skills to prepare their children for kindergarten. In rural Mississippi, where only 21% of children can read, Melinda looks at educational technology to help her child receive vital reading skills.

We invite you to stay after the screening as KUER's Radiowest host, Doug Fabrizio, hosts a lively discussion with film director, Jenny Mackenzie talking about the challenges of improving literacy rates in the US among children, particularly, those from Black and Brown communities. 

Register for this Free event HERE

Watch the movie trailer HERE