Science Fair was warmly-received at Austin's SXSW Film Festival. It details the experience of six different high school students (or teams of students) competing in the 2017 Intel International Science and Engineering (ISEP) Fair in Los Angeles. The documentary is well-filmed, edited and highly entertaining. The directors did an excellent job of finding charismatic and charming young people who were doing great research projects. These are great students who are super achievers. (Unfortunately, they are far from the typical students being produced by the American educational system today.) Science Fair is fun and charming documentary that a ray of sunlight in dark times.
16 Reviews
Funny, moving and inspiring documentary about seriously bright kids
Red-Barracuda27 June 2018
This documentary focuses on a variety of students from different schools and countries as they try to qualify for the international science fair, which is akin to the Oscars for young science boffins. This isn't lightweight stuff, these youngsters are involved in proper high-level science projects from micro cameras that can tell if a burger is fully cooked to cancer prevention, by way of new improved aeroplane designs and artificial intelligence systems. When you watch this, don't be alarmed if these kids make you feel inferior. When I was 14 I wasn't developing systems to interpret brain waves, I think I was probably playing Jet Set Willy 2.
This film works so very well for me because I found myself cheering on every single one of these young people. They all come from slightly different backgrounds and have different elements which make them likeable and fascinating. From the youngsters from a very poor Brazilian small town, to the little fella who created a calculator that generated Shakespearean insults (e.g. 'thou art an unwashed puckart'), to the New York teacher who has created a conveyor belt of scientific excellence in her school, to the young lass who unashamedly declares that she is a gift to the world (she actually is, by the way). There is a large selection of great characters making this one both inspiring but also somewhat moving. It makes you realise that the world is - at least partially - going to be in good hands in the future.
This film works so very well for me because I found myself cheering on every single one of these young people. They all come from slightly different backgrounds and have different elements which make them likeable and fascinating. From the youngsters from a very poor Brazilian small town, to the little fella who created a calculator that generated Shakespearean insults (e.g. 'thou art an unwashed puckart'), to the New York teacher who has created a conveyor belt of scientific excellence in her school, to the young lass who unashamedly declares that she is a gift to the world (she actually is, by the way). There is a large selection of great characters making this one both inspiring but also somewhat moving. It makes you realise that the world is - at least partially - going to be in good hands in the future.
there is hope
ferguson-623 December 2018
Greetings again from the darkness. Welcome to the island of misfit High School geeks. Co-directors Cristina Constantini and Darren Foster introduce us to a few of the kids from around the globe who are striving to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. More than 1500 students from dozens of countries qualify each year to present their ideas for a $75,000 grand prize. There are many rules, but the key is that the project must have "global impact". Does this sound more important than a football game? Well, not in South Dakota!
The film opens with the viral clip of a previous winner who literally ran onstage screaming and crying when his name was announced as a winner. We then meet Jack Andraka today, and in his interview, he explains his guttural response and the impact of the fair both for individuals and idea advancement. Jack, now in his 20's, works as a researcher. We follow 9 students from various parts of the world - each with different backgrounds, interests, expertise, and motivations. The support they receive from parents, teachers and schools also varies, as do the resources available.
Students being followed are from a Kentucky, South Dakota, Brazil, West Virginia, Germany and New York state. The systems range from a magnet school to a public school without a science lab. In South Dakota, a Muslim girl named Kashfia bluntly states that athletics are the focus of her school (their football team went 0-9), and her science teachers had no interest in being her faculty sponsor ... so the football coach agreed to fill the role. This is contrasted to a New York teacher who commits her off-hours to mentor and push students to participate and compete, and she regularly sends multiple students to the fair. In West Virginia, a frustrated math teacher discusses how one student had no interest in homework or tests, then we hear the student explain his advancements in artificial intelligence. A German student diligently works on improving the aeronautics on single wing aircraft. Other projects include detecting arsenic in water, the effects of drug and alcohol abuse, and preventing cancer rather than curing it. It's an impressive lot.
Quite a few of the students hail from immigrant families, and each student is inspiring, intelligent and ambitious. Given the political climate in the U.S. these days, it is heart-warming to see so many youngsters who want to make the world a better place. The directors also interview past winners, but are not allowed in the exhibit hall once the judging begins. National Geographic has sponsored this documentary which won the Audience award at both Sundance and SXSW. These students are the ones that give us hope for the future, and remind us that sports are a nice pastime, but it is intelligence and technical advancements that will sustain the species. The film should be used to recruit more students into working towards the Olympics of Science Fairs!
The film opens with the viral clip of a previous winner who literally ran onstage screaming and crying when his name was announced as a winner. We then meet Jack Andraka today, and in his interview, he explains his guttural response and the impact of the fair both for individuals and idea advancement. Jack, now in his 20's, works as a researcher. We follow 9 students from various parts of the world - each with different backgrounds, interests, expertise, and motivations. The support they receive from parents, teachers and schools also varies, as do the resources available.
Students being followed are from a Kentucky, South Dakota, Brazil, West Virginia, Germany and New York state. The systems range from a magnet school to a public school without a science lab. In South Dakota, a Muslim girl named Kashfia bluntly states that athletics are the focus of her school (their football team went 0-9), and her science teachers had no interest in being her faculty sponsor ... so the football coach agreed to fill the role. This is contrasted to a New York teacher who commits her off-hours to mentor and push students to participate and compete, and she regularly sends multiple students to the fair. In West Virginia, a frustrated math teacher discusses how one student had no interest in homework or tests, then we hear the student explain his advancements in artificial intelligence. A German student diligently works on improving the aeronautics on single wing aircraft. Other projects include detecting arsenic in water, the effects of drug and alcohol abuse, and preventing cancer rather than curing it. It's an impressive lot.
Quite a few of the students hail from immigrant families, and each student is inspiring, intelligent and ambitious. Given the political climate in the U.S. these days, it is heart-warming to see so many youngsters who want to make the world a better place. The directors also interview past winners, but are not allowed in the exhibit hall once the judging begins. National Geographic has sponsored this documentary which won the Audience award at both Sundance and SXSW. These students are the ones that give us hope for the future, and remind us that sports are a nice pastime, but it is intelligence and technical advancements that will sustain the species. The film should be used to recruit more students into working towards the Olympics of Science Fairs!
Great film. Ignore the one negative review
ncostantini18 April 2018
The reviewer said this was the worst film at Sundance and misunderstood why audience members would cry at this film must lack basic human emotion. A truly uplifting, passionate, and intelligently crafted narrative that expertly explores the Intel science fair and the diverse lives of some of the children involved. I highly recommend it!
Best doc, not worst
LWong199927 February 2018
I had to balance the 1 star review that precedes this one. This won the Audience Award at Sundance, so I can assure you that emotional response was truer than the cold hearted one expressed by Brian. An industry friend of mine was at the Sundance screenings and says it was a raucous room of joy. I saw this yesterday at the Portland IFF and that audience also had their hearts in their throats from the very start. The film smartly opens with undeniably great footage of a previous winner, a kid named Jack, whose unembarrassed nerdjoy just fills up the screen. The film takes off from there. If you respond to these youth competition documentaries (SPELLBOUND, FIRST POSITION) you will love this one too.
Amazing documentary
cathy-2208612 March 2018
This is a beautiful tribute to the world of international science fairs and the high school students who participate in them. Following 9 students from around the world, the film gives viewers a glimpse into their lives as they navigate the challenges, disappointments, and unbridled joys of this unique experience - as a viewer you really come to care SO much about each of these nine teenagers. We saw the film at Sundance and every member of the audience was engaged throughout the entire film - laughing, crying, clapping - and a standing ovation from the entire theater at the end of the film. It was an utter joy to watch - highly recommended!
LOVED LOVED LOVED "Science Fair"
info-9278816 March 2018
A group of us saw this wonderful documentary at Sundance and absolutely fell in love with the film and the students and the teachers who were featured. The Sundance audiences laughed and cried and clapped and gave the film a standing ovation at the end. We have seen many amazing documentaries in our lives but Science Fair was one of the most uplifting and inspiring documentaries we've have ever seen. The Sundance audiences voted Science Fair as the "Festival Favorite" from all the great films shown at Sundance, and the Portland Film Festival recently gave the film the "Best Documentary" award. A big thank you and congratulations to the directors, producers, students, and everyone else who made this film possible. Don't miss this wonderful film if it comes to your town...you will fall in love with Science Fair also! Science Fair is a definite 10.
I cried. I cared.
lgmaryanovesq23 September 2018
These kids restore faith in the younger generation, in science, in humanity. I live on Long Island and know I would recognize Jericho's Dr. McCalla if I saw her on the street and would shake her hand. Go see this excellent, inspiring documentary.
It had potential
colewaters16 October 2018
Surprisingly funny, moving, inspiring...you'll be glad you watched!
dtaylor-6142723 July 2018
I admit I went to the sold out screening of this movie because it featured students at my daughter's high school in Louisville, one of which is the daughter of my friend. I am so happy I did. What a wonderful, well-made film and story. I found myself tearing up more than once, and laughing out loud many times, even clapping a couple of times - certainly not the expectation I went in with. It was truly an entertaining and enjoyable 90 minutes. Kudos to Cristina, Darren and Jeff for this gift. And students - you were awesome! Waiting for the sequel.
Important and Heartwarming
ben-wexler27 September 2018
Both an impeccable character study of quirky, talented young people, and a plea to invest in education and the next generation. Entertaining throughout, wonderful choice of subjects, and a heart of gold.
Great movie for multi-generational viewing - entertaining and funny for adults, and a great message for younger audiences without being too "teachy". Also an important message on the power of immigrants and diverse voices to push our society forward.
Heartily recommend for those in all walks of life, science-nerd or not.
Great movie for multi-generational viewing - entertaining and funny for adults, and a great message for younger audiences without being too "teachy". Also an important message on the power of immigrants and diverse voices to push our society forward.
Heartily recommend for those in all walks of life, science-nerd or not.
Most heartwarming documentary
meredithmmorrison27 September 2018
10 for Myllena and Gabriel of Brazil. You are Awesome. Very Proud of you
kakaxplivebr10 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Continuing my marathon of documentary films found on Disney+, this will be my seventh watch. I'll watch and comment.
I liked Anjali Chadha.
I didn't like Harsha.
A bunch of Asians competing, no surprises.
These competitions are very tense, it must make everyone nervous.
Bad for Anjali to lose. Wow, what a sensational football coach who helped the girl.
Wow, no one knew Kashfia at her own school.
Bad school eh, the girl goes through something so big and nobody knows about it and it's not even talked about, and to begin with, even the science teachers themselves didn't want to help, terrible, she literally did everything by herself, congratulations.
This prejudice that people have with foreigners who are going to live in countries is very horrible. I thought it was going to show up only Americans, not bad.
Wow, even my Brazil appears, how wonderful.
I'm rooting for Myllena from Brazil and for Kashfia.
I'm sure Robbie does drugs.
Congrats to Kendra from Jericho, and glad the trio (Ryan, Harsha and Abraham didn't win).
Sad that Myllena and Gabriel didn't win. Immensely happy that Kashfia won, it deserved a lot.
Wow, the German who won.
I loved this teacher, she reminds me of the actress from "How to get your murder" I forgot the actress's name.
Bro, what a school of idiots, who didn't recognize Kashfia's victory, how angry.
I liked Anjali Chadha.
I didn't like Harsha.
A bunch of Asians competing, no surprises.
These competitions are very tense, it must make everyone nervous.
Bad for Anjali to lose. Wow, what a sensational football coach who helped the girl.
Wow, no one knew Kashfia at her own school.
Bad school eh, the girl goes through something so big and nobody knows about it and it's not even talked about, and to begin with, even the science teachers themselves didn't want to help, terrible, she literally did everything by herself, congratulations.
This prejudice that people have with foreigners who are going to live in countries is very horrible. I thought it was going to show up only Americans, not bad.
Wow, even my Brazil appears, how wonderful.
I'm rooting for Myllena from Brazil and for Kashfia.
I'm sure Robbie does drugs.
Congrats to Kendra from Jericho, and glad the trio (Ryan, Harsha and Abraham didn't win).
Sad that Myllena and Gabriel didn't win. Immensely happy that Kashfia won, it deserved a lot.
Wow, the German who won.
I loved this teacher, she reminds me of the actress from "How to get your murder" I forgot the actress's name.
Bro, what a school of idiots, who didn't recognize Kashfia's victory, how angry.
Fabulous!
winterh326 November 2018
GO SEE this wonderful movie! You will love these kids and want to see every one of them succeed! You will enjoy getting to know them, their stories and enough about their projects and theories to know it is over your head and will realize their incredible intelligence, focus and determination! Don't ask your kids if they want to go see it - just take them! All will be entertained and inspired!! I only wish they had made 100 more introducing us to more of these fabulous people!!!!
Wonderful and inspiring
nyccents16 September 2018
A wonderful film that gives background on a few candidates for the Intel International Science Fair, and gives hope for mankind!
Some of these extraordinary achieving kids come from family backgrounds and school environments that are so STEM-impoverished, and yet these brilliant minds are able to learn, to create, to invent all for the sake of bettering life on this planet. If only our governments were focused on science and not wars.
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