The New Haven Trauma Coalition presents the CT premiere screening of James Redford's documentary film

PAPER TIGERS

Wednesday, October 28 at 6:30pm
Shubert Theater, New Haven, CT

Paper Tigers follows six troubled teens over the course of a year at Lincoln Alternative High School in rural Walla Walla, Washington. Considered a last chance before dropping out, many students come to Lincoln with a history of behavioral problems, truancy, and substance abuse. Then, in 2010, Principal Jim Sporleder learned about the science of what a rough childhood does to a developing brain. “Stressed brains can’t learn” was what he took away from an educational conference. He returned to his school convinced that traditional punishments like suspension were only exacerbating the problems of the students there. Three years later, the number of fights at Lincoln Alternative High School had gone down by 75% and the graduation rate had increased five-fold. Paper Tigers is the story of how one school made such dramatic progress.

Told with intimate verite and diary cam footage, Paper Tigers is a testament to what the latest developmental science is proving: that one caring adult can help break the cycle of adversity in a young person’s life. We follow students like Aron, a senior who avoids eye contact and barely speaks in class; freshman Kelsey, who struggles with meth addiction and abusive relationships; and Steven, a senior who has been in and out of juvenile hall since junior high for fights and threatening teachers. As the teachers slowly gain their students’ trust, they hear harrowing tales of physically abusive and negligent parents, homelessness, sexual abuse . . . the list goes on.

Despite the upheaval in their home lives, the students find the support they need at Lincoln to make academic progress and find less destructive ways of coping. They also find hope for becoming healthy and productive adults as they go out into the world.

Important note: This movie explores mature themes. It is not suitable for all audiences. Discretion is advised.


For further information and to register, please go to: http://www.newhaventrauma.org/