Classroom Programs

True West curriculum adopts an intersectional feminist approach, recognizing that everyone holds multiple, intersecting identities which lead to varying degrees of privilege and oppression. Through film analysis and group discussions, students explore these dimensions of power and how they play out in everyday life. We encourage students and teachers to embrace any discomfort that may result from this approach as a sign of learning and growth.

We select films and images that allow as many students as possible to see complex representations of themselves, and simultaneously encourage comparison between their own experiences and those depicted in a particular film. As students develop their voices and gain confidence in the value of their own stories, we also explore the specific tools that directors use to craft story, character, and imagery. These building blocks equip students with technical knowledge and critical thinking skills, providing them with the ability to make informed decisions about the media they choose to consume.