Schedule for Change

Schedule for Change Synopsis

On the disadvantages, girls and non-gender conforming students face in the education system, told by students themselves, along with teacher perspectives.

School plays a huge role in a child’s future, influencing things such as their personalities, actions, and beliefs. When the education system ingrains harmful ideologies into young children, it encourages them to be ignorant of what’s around them. That is why it’s important for children to be exposed to different perspectives so that they have the opportunity to form their own opinions.

About the Filmmakers

Sofia Pena was born and raised in Mexico City and moved to South Central Los Angeles with her dad in 2018. She is 15 years old, going into her sophomore year attending Roosevelt High School. Growing up in Mexico, Sofia became really connected to Mexican culture and Spanish language. She has always loved animation, cartoons such as “The Simpsons”, and anime: as well as drawing and any type of art. Sofia is interested in the creation of stories, and also storytelling and never thought of herself as someone who’d be behind the camera of a film, but is really passionate about the way a story is put into film.

Bernadette Berbon will be a sophomore in fall 2022. She is Filipino and comes from a family of five. Her hobbies include art (drawing, crafts, etc.), playing games, and listening to music. Her addiction to TikTok has inspired her to go into activism because she sees people willingly go outside and speak up which makes her want to speak up, too.

Juliette Lin is a 14-year-old observer and creator of arts. As a Chinese person (Taiwanese on her Dad’s side and Cantonese on her Mom’s side) who is not that connected to her family’s history or languages, she tries to learn more about her roots by consuming movies from Chinese-speaking countries. She also loves literature, cinema, and art from cultures from all around the world. Two of her favorite movies include Lin Dae-Hyung’s Moonlit Winter and Kogonada’s Columbus. Because she did not see a lot of representation in things she watched growing up, she is passionate about diversity in literature, theater and film and would like to learn more about topics like the representation of Asians in U.S. theater. Juliette is also an editor of her school’s student newspaper, The Pen, where she tries to pitch more diverse topics that give more visibility to less-represented communities.

Jacqueline Aguirre is a sixteen-year-old rising junior born and raised in East Los Angeles. From a young age, Jackie always had a passion for films, constantly playing behind the scenes, interviews, and director’s commentary of her favorite films. While other children dreamed of being an actress/actor, she dreamed of working behind the scenes. Growing up as a woman of color, Jackie had her fair share of experiences with racism, homophobia, and especially sexism. Dealing with this made her upset that not only she, but so many others, had to deal with the ignorance and prejudice from narrow-minded people. Her journey with activism started by helping her close family become more open-minded and that has now extended to helping her community. She is currently a part of two clubs at school that focus on empowering women and Chicano students. Both clubs have taught Jackie the importance of being the voice for those who have been silenced and the importance of embracing one’s identity. In addition to film and activism, Jackie loves music and Mexican culture.

Film Screening Guide

PRE-FILM REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. Have you ever had any negative experiences while in school?
2. Have you noticed a negative attitude toward certain topics like periods while you are at school?
3. Do you think your school offers enough resources for girls?
4. Do you feel that any of your school‘s policies negatively affect girls and non-gender conforming students, or do not consider the perspective of these students?

POST-FILM DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Have you gained a new perspective on the possible injustices in your own school?
What conversations can students have with teachers and school staff to better this situation?
How can your school’s sexual education curriculum be improved?
How do you think teachers and other school staff can create a safer environment for girls and non-gender conforming students in school?

CALLS TO ACTION:

1. SHARE THIS CAMPAIG

- WATCH + SHARE THIS FILM (with anyone and everyone) on your Instagram account and use these hashtags: #girlsvoicesnow, #womensvoicesnow, #scheduleforchange, #empathytoaction, #myperiodisnotasecret, #stopsexualizingmybody, #demolishdresscode, #girlsports #selflove, #selfcompassion, #selfexpression, #fightingoppression, #raisingawareness, #doublestandardsm, #equalityinschoolsports, #inequality
- Talk to your school board if there are any school policies that you disagree with.
- If possible, start petitions and/or protests against certain rules, policies or inequalities in your school.
- Find resources like Planned Parenthood to educate yourself about things your school does not teach.
- Support your school’s girls sports team! Try going to a few games. Sports that receive the most attention typically get more funding.
- Have meaningful conversations with people around you, including those who have the power to change things.
- Vote in local elections if possible. If you’re a minor, speak to adults close to you and inform them about the cause.