If You Build It

If You Build It is a groundbreaking documentary, released in 2013, that paints an inspiring picture of the empowerment delivered by imparting practical knowledge. Directed by Patrick Creadon, the film features Erick Bowen, Rodecoe Dunlow, and Kerron Hayes, and is set against the backdrop of a failing public school system and struggling economic terrain of rural North Carolina, setting the stage for an exceptional story of challenge, transformation, and hope.

If You Build It revolves around Emily Pilloton and Matt Miller, two design professionals and educators from San Francisco, who envision offering a transformative educational experience to the underserved students of Bertie County, North Carolina. This wanted to instill a sense of innovation and creativity in the students, who were overshadowed by the lack of resources or opportunities in their remote, economically distressed rural county. Here, they launched an innovative educational program, known as Studio H, with an aim to 'build' a future for these students and by extension, their community.

The camera follows the couple as they put their careers and financial futures on the line to pursue an audacious dream: to teach a group of teenagers the thoughtful problem-solving skillsets of design, harnessing the power of the creative process to catalyze change. Pilloton and Miller's belief that design thinking can empower the students to solve the most pressing issues in their community forms the heart of this film.

Under their stewardship, ten students of Bertie County, among them Erick Bowen, Rodecoe Dunlow, and Kerron Hayes, learn much more than how to use power tools. They are given tasks and projects that force them to approach problems with creativity, practicality, and a focus on their community. Over the course of the academic year, they build real-world architectural projects, beginning with chicken coops and culminating in the centerpiece project: a massive, stylish, and extremely practical farmer's market pavilion for their county.

The structure that these students ultimately build, entirely on their own, serves as a farmers' market, a stage, a public gathering space, and a symbol for a community that starts to see the potential in its youth and the value of good design. This endeavour brings an unprecedented learning experience, instilling confidence, igniting creativity, and setting aflame a sense of community obligation amongst these teenagers.

The shining faces of the participating students represent the success of the program. The transformation in the students, who are initially doubtful about their potential, is evident. The viewers can see the students evolve as they grab hold of the tools, both literal and metaphorical, and begin to see how they can become changemakers in their own lives and communities.

The unique approach to education that If You Build It offers adds a fresh perspective to the conversation on how to equip young people with the skills and aptitudes to face real-world challenges, inspire innovative problem-solving, and foster community development. The film invites viewers to ponder the critical role of education and how it can be used as an instrument to uplift struggling communities.

The graphics and imagery in If You Build It are remarkably authentic, transporting the audience into the heart of rural North Carolina. The insightful narrative and the intriguing cinematography craft a story of resilience, self-belief, strife, and achievement. What begins as a peek into an unconventional classroom in a small town unfurls into a compelling narrative of empowered youth making a tangible, positive impact on their community.

If You Build It is not merely a film; it's a journey that harps on the extraordinary power of education to inspire change, both at a small scale and in broader strokes. By conveying a narrative melded with emotion, ambition, and real-world problem-solving, this documentary manages to strike a chord with the audience, leaving them inspired and hopeful. Creadon effectively touches upon human elements— the struggles and victories of students, the determination of the teachers, the transformative potential of creative education— that make it a valuable watch.

In conclusion, If You Build It is an inspiring documentary that showcases the power of hands-on education and design-thinking to transform the lives of students and their community. It explores the immense potential of alternative educational approaches, teaching us the importance of creativity, innovation, and community involvement in learning - a compelling watch for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of education.