My Name Is Pedro is an essential and timely reminder of the importance of great educators that exist within the infrastructure of our country's public education system.
This award-winning film, from first time director Lillian LaSalle, explores the seemingly impossible journey of South Bronx Latino educator and maverick, Pedro Santana, a former "special ed" student, whose mantra is - every kid can learn despite their circumstances. . A New York Times profile of his "Out Of The Box" teaching techniques, thrusts him into the spotlight, which creates great opportunities for change but also has its downside - public school politics which, despite the cries of students and parents alike, threaten to take him down. A documentary with unpredictable twists and turns, it harnesses a compelling message of optimism, hope and tragedy.