We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest

We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest is a compelling and heartening documentary film that released in 2020. The film takes its viewers on an enlightening journey through an iconic annual event celebrated in Oakland, California - the Oratorical Fest held in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr., an indispensable figure in American history.

Created under the banner of HBO Documentary Films, the movie is directed by Emmy-winning director Amy Schatz, who is known for her mastery at creating documentaries for children. Co-produced by executive producer Mahershala Ali, who also hails from Oakland and is a two-time Oscar winner, this film echoes the spirit of the city and the dreams of its young minds.

This poignant and powerful documentary is unique as it gives children the stage to express their perspectives on the world. The film resides in the realm of social activism and public speaking, capturing the passion, dedication, and spirit of Oakland's public school students who participate in an intense competition of public speaking.

We Are the Dream provides a visual chronicle of students from schools across the city who prepare and perform at the Oratorical Fest. This annual event is a vocal competition where students from kindergarten through twelfth grade perform poetry, speeches, and monologues inspired by the life and ideologies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The film successfully explores the multitude of facets that the competition embodies and the profound significance it holds through a collection of beautifully woven narratives of the participants. These narratives effortlessly transition from entertaining and relatable to deeply moving, reflecting the children's wisdom beyond years and their acute awareness of the world around them.

The magic of We Are the Dream lies not only in the children's incredibly articulate performances but also in the painstaking preparation leading up to them. The movie skillfully documents the children's journeys from selecting topics, doing the research, practicing, honing speeches to the final day of performing on stage, often with unabridged honesty and courage. It’s a captivating portrayal of the children’s resilience, ambition, vulnerability and of course, the influence and imprints of their parents, teachers, and coaches during the process.

Furthermore, the film serves as a significant chronicle of contemporary America, intertwining intimate portraits of the children and their families with a broader analysis of pressing social issues such as racial inequality, social justice, and the importance of education. These threads are effortlessly woven together, presenting a tapestry of the collective dreams and aspirations of the children.

The analysis of these elements is paired with stunning visuals, layering deeper emotional resonance and amplifying the impact the film possesses. The choice of music accentuates the emotional arc the film aims to traverse, enhancing the narrative's drive, urgency, and intrinsic beauty.

Do not mistake this documentary to be purely about a competition. While it does celebrate the contest, it is, at its core, an emphatic tribute to the power of words, ideas, and the outspoken voices of the younger generation that promises potential change for the future. Amid the excitement and tension of the competition, We Are the Dream brilliantly captures the essence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s profound legacy, reflected in each child's passionate articulation.

Notably, watching these children speak with such eloquence, conviction, and profound understanding of the world that they've inherited is both refreshing and eye-opening. In an age dominated by digital interaction, We Are the Dream celebrates these young orators who use timeless forms of expression to address social issues, question societal norms, and compel their audience to think deeper.

We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest, thus, is much more than a mere documentary. It is a moving tribute to the captivating prowess of words, the potent promise of youth, and the enduring legacy of a man who dared to dream. Engraved with hope, resilience, and youthful vigor, this film is a profound reflection on society's current state through the remarkable voices of its youngest members as they bear the torch of Dr. King's dream into their future.