‘Banned Together’ screening to open film festival Nov. 4

“Banned Together,” a feature-length documentary tackling the topic of book bans expanding in communities nationwide, will be screened at 12 p.m., Monday, Nov. 4, when the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival opens at Cinema Art Theater, 17701 Dartmouth Drive, Lewes.

The film was produced by Atomic Focus Entertainment, part-owned by Rehoboth Beach-based producer Allyson Rice. Joining the Atomic Focus team as executive producer was Dr. Gary Seiden of Rehoboth Beach. Many local individuals contributed to the project during early fundraising. 

Showcasing a diverse cast of visionary teenagers, stirring public protests, private threats, criminal charges and drama-filled school board meetings, “Banned Together” pulls back the curtain on book bans and curriculum censorship in public schools. The story follows the inspiring journey of three high school seniors in Beaufort, S.C., who fight back when 97 books are suddenly pulled from their school libraries. As these students become national activists, the film documents the larger story of book bans and curriculum censorship that continues to accelerate across the nation. ”Banned Together” reveals perspectives on both sides of the controversy, and delivers an insider’s view of the volatile events in schools and statehouses.

The film includes appearances from bestselling banned authors Jodi Picoult, Juno Dawson, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Ellen Hopkins and Erica L. Sánchez. It also features Congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland, constitutional scholars, the executive director of the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center, organizations fighting on the front lines in Florida, and teachers, librarians, parents and other student activists across the country.

Picoult said, “’Banned Together’ traces the political origins of America’s rash of book banning and clearly outlines its detrimental consequences, but this documentary's secret weapon are the three fierce Beaufort, S.C. teens whose story it follows. With intelligence, compassion and determination, these young women speak on behalf of their peers, and in doing so, negate the specious argument of book banners who claim their actions protect kids.”

This documentary is the first feature film for Atomic Focus Entertainment. Atomic Focus owner-producers Jennifer Wiggin and Allyson Rice, and directors Kate Way and Tom Wiggin were inspired by the activism of these young students, and drawn to the breadth and urgency of the fast-moving national story and the hidden connection between book bans and Project 2025.

Rice said, “We believe in parental rights when it comes to determining what content is appropriate for your own child, but no parent’s personal or religious beliefs should be imposed on other families. That is the antithesis of the freedom we enjoy in a democracy. It’s un-American. We hope the local story we follow inspires others across the country about how to fight back at the local level in their own communities.”

Kanopy, the video streaming service providing films that matter through public libraries and colleges worldwide, came on board as a producing partner with Atomic Focus. “Even though the film and children’s video content we share on our platform is carefully curated, it is never censored; we need to ensure that this book-ban trend is nipped in the bud,” said Jason Tyrrell of Kanopy.

For more information, go to rehobothfilm.com.