A documentary about the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Fest in California’s Oakland Unified School District was recently nominated for an NAACP Image Award for outstanding children’s program.

We Are The Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest followed students in grades K-12 in the months leading up to their participation in the 40^th annual festival. The documentary shows the students practicing and refining their speeches with coaches,  teachers and families as they prepare to compete in the public speaking competition. The students perform poetry and speeches inspired by the legacy of Dr. Marth Luther King Jr., covering subjects such as race, social justice, gentrification, and immigration.

The film was executive produced by Oakland native and Oscar-winning actor Mahershela Al. 

“We Are The Dream is a beautiful film that expertly shares the brilliance and integrity of our young people,” said Oakland Schools Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell. “Our students never cease to amaze me with their passion and dedication to their craft and to the legacy of Dr. King.”

We Are The Dream also won an Emmy award for Outstanding Children’s program in September. The documentary can be viewed on HBO Max.