Banned Together

In this moment of political upheaval by a radical minority, we witness 3 young women who will not accept the destruction of books and the core of their education.

Books inform, books can change lives, and books liberate our minds. These young women inspire and create a movement for all of us to join.

Where are young people supposed to turn when counselors are in short supply, libraries are being censored and adults are commanding the floor with nonsensical, inaccurate information? If we don't all speak up now to stop this, there will be no cause for us to defend. THIS is something we can all do now.

Banned Together was the first film I watched when I joined the Defense of Democracy Film Festival, and I couldn't have asked for a more meaningful entry point.

With so much public debate around banned books and the erosion of public libraries, I was eager to understand the deeper, more personal layers of the issue. What this film delivers is nothing short of extraordinary.

The young people at the center of Banned Together, particularly the groups of teenage girls who lead with passion, clarity, and a love of literacy, were inspiring. Watching them advocate for access to books and ideas reminded me of what true civic engagement looks like. Even more powerful was seeing adults standing beside them, helping to amplify their voices and guide them to public forums where dialogue could flourish.

The film's diversity is another vital element. It reflects the truth that this battle for knowledge, inclusion, and representation affects all of us. We are in this together - and Banned Together doesn't just say that, it shows it.

As someone on the inside of a film festival, I know I have the privilege of early access. But this is a story the public must see. The issue of book banning is not symbolic, it's actively reshaping communities. And this documentary answers with clarity, urgency, and heart.

Highly recommended.

Sometimes it takes youth, not yet jaded, not so beaten down, to stand up for what is so obviously right... to call the fanatical, un-American book banning what it is, and to actually do something about it. As an adult battling for the rights of parents, students and teachers against the faux-"parental rights", astroturf groups, it's often exhausting to face the same nonsense arguments again and again. These kids show the power of community, of supporting and encouraging one another, and the power of hope. The film does a great job of showing the scope of the issue -- talking to authors, educators, even letting the censors speak for themselves.

Literature has to the power to educate, inspire, challenge, create dreams and change the world. "Banned Together" is a real world perspective about the trials and tribulations of censorship. This documentary addresses book bans and curriculum censorship. Following three students and their adult supporters as they navigate the process to be heard is fascinating. It is refreshing to see our youth in action, eloquently supporting their views. You will experience elation, admiration, incredulity, desperation and many other emotions. A must see! A testimony to why stories and voices should never be silenced.

This was such an amazing documentary about the importance of free speech and the right to read. It was told beautifully through the eyes of high school students in South Carolina as they worked to reintroduce books that were banned in their school district. It highlights the importance of books in our society and really peels back the curtains on why people are trying to ban books which I found fascinating. Unfortunately, it does end right before the current administration took office so obviously things are even more volatile in this area right now. But if anything that just reinvigorates me more to stand up for what I believe in.