Rec. Grade Levels Archives: 8

Strictly Ballroom

Competitive ballroom dancer Scott Hastings has been groomed his entire life by his dance-teacher mother and reclusive father to win the coveted Pan-Pacific title. However, he has grown bored performing classic dances and starts dancing unconventional steps, thus disqualifying himself from the winner’s circle. Quiet beginning dancer Fran, however, encourages Scott to dance his own steps, and she becomes his secret partner. Chaos breaks out at the championships as Scott is torn between dancing with established winner Tina Sparkle or taking a chance on Fran, though it is sure to cost him the win. Meanwhile, a cast of wacky characters grows out of control while trying to maintain tradition in this romantic comedy/mockumentary about competitive ballroom dancing in Australia.

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Science Fair

Science Fair follows nine high school students from around the globe as they navigate rivalries and setbacks on their journey to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair, offering a front-row seat to the victories, defeats and motivations of an incredible group of young men and women who are on a path to change their lives —and the world — through science.

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Shake the Dust

Chronicling the rise and influence of breakdancing and hip-hop culture across the globe, Shake The Dust tells the inspiring stories of the third-world communities that hip-hop has resonanted with the most, honoring the specific rituals of each culture as well as the passions that unite them.

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Soul Food Junkies

Filmmaker Byron Hurt offers a fascinating exploration of the soul food tradition, its deep-rooted relevance to black cultural identity, and its continued popularity desite the known danges of high-fat, high-calorie diets. Hurt further studies the food industry machinations and socioeconimic conditions of predominantly black neighborhoods, examining the cultural politics of food and the comlex interactions of identity, flavor, power, and health.

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Racing Dreams

Racing Dreams is an exhilarating and emotional documentary following a year in the life of three top go-kart racers as they compete for the national championship. Barely 13 years old, Anna, Josh, and Brandon—and their families—must find out if they truly have what it takes to make it to NASCAR.

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