American Promise

PBS Premiere: Feb. 3, 2014Check the broadcast schedule »

Ask the Filmmaker

An online social screening of American Promise

The filmmakers and subject Idris of American Promise joined America's Promise Alliance and Big Brothers Big Sisters for a live OVEE screening with viewers on Tuesday, February 4, 2014.

Visit the film update page to find out what has happened since the cameras stopped rolling »

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Film Information

  • Film Length: 120 min.
  • Premiere Date: Feb. 3, 2014
  • Encore Broadcast Dates: Dec. 31, 2017
  • Photos: Download Here
  • Filmmaker(s): Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson
  • Press: Critical Acclaim | Fact Sheet | Press Release

Filmmakers

  • Joe Brewster
  • Michèle Stephenson

Buy The Film

  • Buy the video for home use
  • Buy the video for educational use

Critical Acclaim

Not only provides illuminating insights into racial and cultural issues, but explores family dynamics common to all.

— Peter Keough, The Boston Globe

While they didn't set out to make a film about what newspaper columnists refer to as the 'black male achievement gap,' Brewster and Stephenson have done just that, and it's hard to imagine a more penetrating and powerful one.

— Godfrey Cheshire, RogerEbert.com

In his State of the Union address this week, President Barack Obama spoke about making the American Dream possible for everyone. He noted that minorities still face challenges that other Americans do not. The documentary American Promise explores race, class and opportunity in America...Tough...heartbreaking.

— Anne-Marie Green, CBS News "Up to the Minute"

  • Film Description
  • About the Characters
  • Film Update
  • In Context
  • Photo Gallery
  • POV American Graduate Station Broadcasts
  • American Promise Toolkits and Workshops: For Students
  • Short Documentaries on Black Male Achievement
  • Excerpt: Promises Kept
  • Filmmaker Bios
  • Filmmaker Interview
  • Filmmaker Statement
  • Ask the Filmmaker
  • Links & Books
  • Credits
  • Lesson Plan: Code Switching
  • Discussion Guide
  • Partner Toolkit
  • Take Action Around American Promise »
  • Download Reading List (PDF) »
  • Download POV's step-by-step guide to organizing an event (PDF) »
  • Plan an Event Around a POV Film

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