First Class Initiative

WHAT IS THE FIRST CLASS INITIATIVE?

Currently, there is a lack of Asian American history taught in schools. We understand that many teachers haven’t been equipped to teach this history yet have a desire and are encouraged to do so. Our documentary, FAR EAST DEEP SOUTH, is a tool to help educators include the Asian American experience when teaching and discussing existing units in social studies.

We also know that many schools have been hit with budget cuts and lack the resources to purchase an educational license through our distributor, New Day Films, for their school. To make our film accessible to more schools, we created the FIRST CLASS INITIATIVE. This is a special fund that will enable teachers at middle schools, high schools and even community colleges to screen and discuss FAR EAST DEEP SOUTH in their classes for the first time. A discussion guide will also be made available. The film can be screened via private streaming link.

WHO CAN APPLY?

With our First Class Initiative fund, we hope we can grant every qualified application a screening copy of our film. However, depending on number of applicants in each cycle, priority will be given to schools in the U.S. and those in underserved communities. Here’s who qualifies:

• Any current teacher or other school administrator submitting on behalf of a teacher’s class can apply who are employed at a K-12 school or community college. Teachers at the same school need to submit separate applications if they are planning to show the film in different classrooms. We recommend the film for 5th grade and up*. (Please be advised that there are a few racial slurs used in historical context as a few people give first-hand accounts of being subject to demeaning comments. Please use your judgment as to whether this would be appropriate for your students.)
• Approved awardees must use the film in the classroom during the 2024-2025 school year for the current application cycle.
• Approved awardees will be asked to submit a post-screening feedback form and student surveys.
• Submitting an application doesn’t guarantee approval.
• Teachers should have internet access to be able to stream the film.

HOW DO I APPLY?

We currently accepting applicants for our 4rd Round of First Class Initiative grants until December 31st, 2024. Fill out the application by clicking the button below. There is no application fee. Applications will be accepted, evaluated and approved on a rolling basis. If you have questions, feel free to contact us via our contact form.

ABOUT FAR EAST DEEP SOUTH

FAR EAST DEEP SOUTH is the award-winning documentary about a Chinese-American family’s search for their roots that leads them from California to Mississippi, where they stumble upon stunning family revelations and uncover the racially complex history of the Chinese in the segregated South. This eye-opening and memorable film also explores the discrimination Asians historically faced, the interconnected relationship between the Black and Chinese communities in the Jim Crow era and the generational impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act. The film previously aired on PBS/World Channel’s “America ReFramed.” If you haven’t seen the film, check out the trailer below.

The film is organized into three chapters: Chapter 1: An Immigrant Story; Chapter 2: A Southern Story and Chapter 3: An American Story. The film can be shown in its entirety or broken up by chapter.

TOPICS THE FILM COVERS

CAN I PREVIEW THE FILM?

If you are a current teacher or school administrator, you can request a private link to preview the film. You must use your school email address to verify your current employment. Send a request through this contact form and include “1st Class Initiative Preview” in the message.

CAN I CONTRIBUTE TO THE FIRST CLASS INITIATIVE FUND?

If you or someone you know would like to make a tax-deductible donation to our First Class Initiative so more schools can watch our film, click on the button below.