Approaching the Elephant 2015
Dive into the raw, unfiltered reality of education reinvented with *Approaching the Elephant* (2015), Amanda Wilder's gripping documentary that follows the chaotic yet fascinating journey of The Teddy McArdle Free School.
Director: Amanda Wilder
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Approaching the Elephant (2015) about?
This documentary chronicles the turbulent first two years of The Teddy McArdle Free School, an institution built on the radical idea that students and staff should create rules together—or scrap them entirely. Amanda Wilder's film captures the messiness of self-governance as the school navigates its identity, leadership changes, and the expulsion of a student, all while questioning the very meaning of education.
Who directed Approaching the Elephant?
Amanda Wilder is the director behind this eye-opening documentary, bringing a fly-on-the-wall intimacy to the school's daily struggles and triumphs.
Who stars in Approaching the Elephant?
The film features the students, teachers, and staff of The Teddy McArdle Free School, whose real-life dynamics drive the narrative forward.
Is Approaching the Elephant (2015) worth watching?
For those fascinated by unconventional education or societal structures, this documentary offers a compelling, often provocative look at democracy in action. While it may lack polished production value, its authenticity and thought-provoking themes make it a standout in the genre.
How long is Approaching the Elephant?
The documentary runs for 88 minutes, delivering a tightly packed exploration of its themes in under an hour and a half.
🎥 Trailer
About Approaching the Elephant (2015) — A Raw Look at Democratic Education in Action
Dive into the raw, unfiltered reality of education reinvented with *Approaching the Elephant* (2015), Amanda Wilder's gripping documentary that follows the chaotic yet fascinating journey of The Teddy McArdle Free School. Over two years, the film captures a bold experiment in democratic learning, where no classes, no rules, and no teachers dictating the path—just students and staff figuring it out together. Wilder's lens exposes the friction, freedom, and unexpected lessons of a school where even the director's role is up for debate, creating an atmosphere thick with tension and possibility.
This isn't just a film about education—it's a mirror held up to society's rigid structures, asking what happens when kids and adults alike are given the power to shape their own rules. Through intimate, often messy moments, *Approaching the Elephant* reveals the highs and lows of a community constantly negotiating its own existence, blending heartfelt humanity with the stark realities of self-governance.