Oyler

The 2015 documentary film, "Oyler," takes its viewers on an enlightening journey into America's public education scene against the backdrop of an impoverished urban landscape. Directed by Amy Scott, this film unfolds in Cincinnati's Lower Price Hill neighborhood, underscoring the resilient efforts in reviving the community through education in its first community school, Oyler, single-handedly championed by Principal Craig Hockenberry.

The movie takes viewers into the life of Craig Hockenberry, the hard-charging principal of the pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade Oyler School. Displaying colossal determination in circumventing the existing narratives about urban neighbourhoods, Hockenberry attempts to revitalize Oyler School and the surrounding population. He envisions not just another local school catering to the academic needs of its students but paints a broader canvas where the school becomes a panacea for the socio-economic challenges prevalent in the area.

The Oyler School, under Principal Hockenberry's leadership, introduces reforms to address community needs as it expands into a 'community learning center.' The school turns into a one-stop center offering a range of services including after-school programs, health services, adult education and early childhood classes, highlighting the school's integral role in the community.

The direction of Amy Scott instills a gritty realism into "Oyler," capturing the complexity of public education in America while humanizing the struggles of those on the front lines. "Oyler" isn’t just about the fight for better education; it's a microcosm of the debate around poverty, the role of schooling and public institutions and their implications in low-income communities. Oyler doesn't shy away from showing the tough realities always looming in the background, ranging from gang violence to family displacement due to economic hardships.

"Oyler" also entwines the personal story of one of its high school seniors, Raven Gribbins, encapsulating her pursuit to be the first in her troubled family to finish high school and go to college. The intimacies of her life and her journey serve as a testimonial to the impact that Principal Hockenberry and the transformed Oyler School can have on the lives of the students. In doing so, it emphasizes that transforming the community beyond the classrooms extends the potential of public schools.

Having the school year as its narrative frame, the film presents an unfolding drama replete with successes and setbacks as the audience is treated to an insider view of the pragmatic obstacles encountered by Principal Hockenberry and his team. From handling school budgets to dealing with a threatened funding cut, the school's challenges keep the audience invested in its triumphs and tribulations. Periodic glimpses of Hockenberry's personal life unravel the persona of a man harboring an unflinching drive to reform his beleaguered community.

The camera work in "Oyler" is raw and intense, narrowing down to the emotions of the people and the intimacy of the surroundings without indulgence. It's a bustling world inside, full of energy and hustle where every character from teachers to students is seen passionately striving for a collective goal. The film offsets the obstacles and the harsh realities with moments of positivity, triumph, and community bond that keep hope alive.

"Oyler" is a compelling narrative of unwavering determination in the face of adversity. It goes beyond a mere documentary about a school, presenting a broader story about social progress, the importance of public institutions, the struggle for equity in public education, and a community's resilient spirit amid difficulties. Carrying an underlying message of unity and community-building, the movie echoes a belief in the transformative power of education.

Conclusively, the overall takeaway from the film “Oyler” is the profound influence that a single school can have on a community and its people, persistently pushing forward despite multiple setbacks. It's an inspiration for those who believe in the potential public education holds to uplift societies. And for the viewers who are ready to be enthralled and moved, "Oyler" promises an unforgettable blend of emotion, grit, and resilience.