SCAD film festival showcases special documentary highlighting Metro Nashville Public Schools

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - There are dozens of screenings happening at the Savannah Film Festival, and one documentary that aired Wednesday has a special meaning to a group of young people from Tennessee.

‘Every Student Known: The Creation of an Anthem’ is a behind-the-scenes documentary that follows students as they create a district anthem for Metro Nashville Public Schools.

The director, Franklin Willis says, it’s also the only public school system to have a feature at the festival this year.

“In the heart of Tennessee, there’s a district just for me."

The documentary takes viewers behind the scenes as students write and record a district anthem for Metro Nashville Public Schools.

It marks the first time a project like this has been created within the district — with 11 students, from elementary to high school, co-writing the song.

“Watching as a group of us figured out creative ways to include things — like, oh that would be a great ad-lib to add there, or that run could fit there, or that harmony could work really well here. We wanted it to be a cohesive project.”

The message of the song highlights the brilliance of each student helping them reach their full potential not only in the classroom, but in their own lives.

Dee Hammonds, dean of fine arts at Warner Elementary, was one of several educators who co-wrote the song. She says what made the experience so special was listening to the students, forming real relationships, and watching them have fun in the process

“They were hyping each other up. When one student was in the booth, you saw another one like, ‘Oh my God, you’re so amazing!’ I mean, we didn’t ask them to do that — that’s what naturally happened,” said Hammonds.

Franklin Willis, who directed the songwriting process, says Metro Nashville Public Schools is the only public school system featured in the festival — and he’s proud to showcase their creativity.

“I’m really excited to show the brilliance — to show the creativity that resides in our district," said Willis. “Not only with the Savannah folks here, but the students — and for people all across the world.”

And for Willis, it’s all about creating opportunities for the next generation.

“When we dream big for young people — and we give them opportunity and space to create, to sing, to make music, to build community — look what can happen,” said Willis.