An Feature Length Documentary Film Directed by Manauvaskar Kublall and Produced by Taij Kumarie Moteelall
34 Days: Fight for Dyett delves into the heart of Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood during a pivotal moment in its fight for educational equity. The documentary captures a dramatic and emotional struggle through the lens of the community organizers, parents, and teachers who embarked on a 34-day hunger strike to save the last public school in their community from closure. This act of resistance is set against the backdrop of a city wrestling with racial and economic disparities that threaten the very fabric of community life, and the self-determination of Black people in particular.
As the narrative unfolds, viewers are introduced to key characters such as Jitu Brown, whose transformation from a hip-hop artist to a committed activist encapsulates the broader themes of community empowerment and resilience. The film interweaves personal stories with the broader socio-political context, creating a compelling portrait of a community's fight to reclaim its right to secure the future of its youth and to claim political power to shape the future of Chicago. The story culminates in a powerful denouement: the election of one of the strikers, Brandon Johnson, as Mayor of Chicago.
"34 Days: Fight for Dyett" serves as a testament to the impact of civic engagement and community action. It challenges viewers to consider the role of education in society and the lengths to which a Black community will go to protect their rights to it. This film promises to leave a lasting impact, inspiring audiences with its portrayal of how united community efforts can overcome systemic barriers and enact political change.
The emotional core of the film lies in its depiction of the personal sacrifices made by the strikers and the rippling impact of their fight, not just on their own lives but on the future of public education in Chicago. By focusing on both the personal and the political, "34 Days" aims to resonate deeply with viewers, inspiring them to consider the role of activism in shaping policy.
Key Components
- Community & Legacy: It underscores the continuing struggle of Black communities against unjust systems and highlights the broader implications of political decisions on education and racial justice.
- The Heart of the Story: Situated in Bronzeville, a historic hub of Black culture, the film focuses on a diverse coalition fighting for educational equity. Prominent voices include Dr. Aisha Wade-Bey, Parrish Brown, Irene Robinson, Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor, Jitu Brown, Marc Kaplan, Monique Redeaux-Smith, Brandon Johnson, and Rev. Robert Jones and more, all united in reversing the narrative of neglect in Black communities.
- Narrative Shift: "34 Days" confronts stereotypes of educational apathy in Black communities, exposing systemic flaws and the push towards the privatization of education that undermines public schools.
- Transformative Storytelling: Directed by Manauvaskar Kublall, the film employs his distinct methodology that amplifies community voices, combining educational advocacy with empathetic narrative techniques to shift perception and move hearts.
- Impact & Engagement: "34 Days" serves as a catalyst for rethinking public education, racial justice, and community self-determination. It aims to mobilize a wide audience towards community organizing, policy advocacy, and cultural change.
Our Media Sutra team embraces a Transformative Storytelling model that centers on relationship-building, intentionality, and self-reflection. This participatory approach has guided every step of our film production, starting with establishing trust within the community. Through listening sessions and the sharing of footage, we’ve invited continuous input to ensure authenticity and uphold the integrity of the stories being told.
Rooted in over six years of deep relationship-building with the Chicago community and a decade of collaboration with education movement partners, our project weaves together powerful narratives and strategies that highlight critical social issues. Since 2014, we’ve been dedicated to crafting stories that not only resonate but also empower, shedding light on the voices that are often unheard.