SOMETHING WITHIN ME

Cinemavixion Review

In the heart of the South Bronx, St. Augustine's school embarked on a transformative journey, documented in "Something Within Me." This compelling film, recognized with multiple awards at the Sundance Film Festival, including the Audience Award, Filmmakers Trophy, and a Special Jury Prize, offers an intimate look at the profound impact of an arts-centric curriculum. As detailed in the film and corroborated by external data, educators and administrators at St. Augustine's committed to integrating the arts, particularly music, with the same rigor as traditional academic subjects. The narrative unfolds through the authentic voices of students, teachers, and parents, interwoven with vivid classroom scenes, rehearsals, and performances. The results speak for themselves: a tripling of enrollment and dramatic improvements in reading and math scores over six years. Directed by Emma Morris, this 1993 documentary is a powerful testament to the potential of arts education to foster not only academic achievement but also holistic student development, making it a must-watch for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about the power of creative expression.