Director Madeline Sackler’s debut feature documentary, “The Lottery”, is sure to generate strong opinions and emotions in its viewers. “The Lottery” questions the outdated public education system in America, particularly in the Harlem and Bronx sections of New York City.
During a time when 58% percent of African American 4th graders are illiterate, “The Lottery” follows four students and their parents as they await the results of the nerve-racking lottery that will determine whether or not they're admitted to the Harlem Success Academy, a charter school offering far superior opportunities than a traditional public school. Only a few hundred spots are available at the Academy for the several thousand children in the drawing.
Shot by acclaimed cinematography Wolfgang Held, not only does “The Lottery” look visually stunning, but it succeeds in telling an important story, and in inciting the viewer to take a stance. It is both rare and refreshing to see a film that accomplishes this, all the while keeping the audience hooked on the suspense of the approaching lottery.
Focusing equally on the personal and political aspects of our education system, Sackler creates a harrowing documentary. It’s a must see film that will leave its viewers pondering the future of our education system, and our children.
“The Lottery” will be available on DVD on October 5th.
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