The Water Is Wide (2006)

Pat Conroy, an ambitious, slightly rebellious, idealistic teacher, accepts Bennington county SC's school board superintendent's offer to teach the all-black kids of the pauper fishery community on Yamacraw Island. Staffless 'head' mistress Brown incarnates stupidity and blind rule obedience, her didactic skills consisting in scolding and spanking her students. Pat moves heaven and earth to motivate and educate, but after finally getting through to pupils and parents, is refused contract renewal by the arch-conservative authorities.

The Water Is Wide is a drama movie featuring Jeff Hephner.

The Water Is Wide is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex and Plex Player and it's also available on DIRECTV.