The Unmaking of a College (2022)

"The Unmaking of a College" chronicles a pivotal moment in American educational history, where the very foundations of a revered institution were threatened, igniting a battle led by its most passionate defenders - the students. As the new president of Hampshire College, one of the United States' most innovative educational institutions, surreptitiously plans to relinquish its cherished independence, the students mobilise in an audacious act of defiance. They take over the president's office, staging a 75-day sit-in that would go down in history as the longest of its kind in American academia. Conceived as a tribute to democracy in action, the film captures the heart-stirring journey of young scholars driven to protect their school and its unique educational philosophy. This is not merely a protest, but a rescue mission. It's an odyssey of courage and conviction, where these young individuals rise to defend their beloved institution from the brink of capitulation. The film, directed by alum Goldstein, melds raw, student-captured footage of the events with insightful interviews featuring students, professors, whistleblowers, and distinguished alumni like filmmaker Ken Burns. These intertwining narratives form a compelling tapestry of resilience, painting a vivid picture of the crisis and the relentless spirit that emerged in response. "The Unmaking of a College" is a stirring testament to the power of determined youth, their transformative journey, and the indomitable spirit of liberal arts education. It questions the survival of this storied tradition in the face of adversity, and how such experiences can forge the leaders of tomorrow. This is not simply a story of a college's near demise, but rather a rallying cry for the preservation of independent thought and the liberating power of education.

The Unmaking of a College is a documentary movie featuring Marlon Becerra and directed by Amy Goldstein.

The Unmaking of a College is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy The Unmaking of a College on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Kino Now, Vudu and YouTube.