The Right to Read

The Right to Read shares the stories of a courageous activist, a teacher, and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read.

2022 | | Rating: NR

In the richest country in the world, it is hard to fathom that one-third of American students are not reading at grade level. Through our characters’ journeys to change their children and community’s futures, the film shows the reality of what happens when a country fails to teach thousands of children to read every year and how grassroots activism can turn the tide for American children. By highlighting accessible, affordable, and scientific solutions, the film urges audiences to demand necessary change.
Director: Jenny Mackenzie

DIRECTOR, Jenny Mackenzie, Ph.D. is an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker whose mission is to produce films that promote social change. Her films include KICK LIKE A GIRL, WHERE’S HERBIE? SUGAR BABIES, LEAD WITH LOVE & DYING IN VEIN, THE OPIATE GENERATION and the 2018 Sundance Film QUIET HEROES. Her films have aired on top broadcast and VOD channels such as HBO, HULU, PBS, and Amazon, and have received praise in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Boston Globe.

The Right to Read is nominated for the 2024 Anthem Awards and Shorty Impact Awards
Congratulations to The Right to Read’s Executive Producer, LeVar Burton Recipient of the 2023 National Humanities Medal!

Tags: Feature, Documentary, Education