“This Day in History: April 22, 1969,
Student Strike Shuts Down City College of New York”
—Zinn Education Project
Press
“Puts the students’ struggles for racial justice front and center.”
—The New York Times
“There are Black and brown students and Puerto Rican students who are on campuses all across the country who are not getting what they need. They may be inspired by this documentary and see the ways in which these students made demands and how they were able to agitate the system. “
—Dr. Phelton Moss, NAACP
“THE FIVE DEMANDS Screening Spotlights SEEK and CUNY Activists“
—The Knight News
“THE FIVE DEMANDS is a powerful and inspiring film that tells the little-known story of the pathbreaking grassroots movement that broke down racist barriers to open higher education to Black, Latinx, and other long-excluded communities. It richly captures not just the student strike at CCNY but how it grew out of and contributed to the larger movement for Black and Puerto Rican liberation in the sixties. Today's students and advocates on the front lines of the fight for racial justice can learn from this vital history – understanding where they come from and what they must do to transform our educational system towards racial equity, educational justice, and community liberation.”
— Mark R. Warren, Professor of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Boston and author of Willful Defiance: The Movement to Dismantle the School-to-Prison Pipeline
“Shows not only how hard those students worked to change their institution to create a more equal world but also how far we are from realizing their vision of radical inclusion. It is a reminder that a vision of education for all is not a pipe dream. Despite the many obstacles, it is our responsibility today to fight for the higher education system that we deserve.”
- Nonprofit Quarterly
“THE FIVE DEMANDS offers a timely blueprint for people of conscience to step up to protect the many hard-won rights that are now under assault.”
- The American Prospect
“Will resonate with anyone who has followed the fights over ‘academic merit’ in admissions to colleges and high schools.
The film also raises implicit questions about the differences between the past and the present—and what would need to happen to
galvanize a similar movement today.”
—Diverse Issues in Higher Education
“Recommended for adolescents and adults. The film might be useful in undergraduate classes focused on very specific topics, such as student activism in the 1960s, or a graduate level class on higher education leadership. However, the film has a broader appeal that would likely be of interest to many, especially those living in
New York City.”
—Education Media Reviews Online
“Emphasizes the student actions...
The Five Demands supplies a powerful look back to see just how unfair practices were before admissions reforms. Watch for an opportunity to see this timely and talented documentary."
—WAMC Northeast Public Radio
“THE FIVE DEMANDS… feels more pressing than ever in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action.”
—Hyperallergic
“THE FIVE DEMANDS presents a captivating look at the student strike that forever changed higher education... the inspiring tale of the CUNY student movement is a powerful reminder of the value of determination and united effort in pursuing social justice.”
—Overly Honest Movie Reviews
“New Film About CCNY Takeover: A movement for open admissions”
—The Clarion
“THE FIVE DEMANDS could serve as a blueprint for how to take action, now that the Supreme Court has struck down affirmative action.
I don’t want to tell too much about how the story unfolds
because it is so exciting—it’s a real thriller…
It’s also a blueprint for how to make a documentary. “
— Talking Pictures
Icarus Films announces acquisition of exclusive distribution rights across all markets in the U.S. and Canada for THE FIVE DEMANDS.
THE FIVE DEMANDS received The Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize, which recognizes filmmakers for original research and compelling stories in American history.
THE FIVE DEMANDS
One-Page Summary
