Primary School

A story about the importance of public education and educators. It is both a timely and critical film that will reveal how the next generation will become inclusive, empathetic, intelligent future leaders of our society – through education.

In a time when public education is being tested like never before, this film is a love letter to the human side of education, capturing a principal who embodies the best of what we hope for our schools and our children’s futures.

With education debates dominating headlines from teacher shortages, funding cuts and curriculum reforms, to the growing gap between public and private education, there has never been a more urgent time to make this film.

It should inspire the next generation teachers and remind us all of the power of education to shape our children’s futures.

The Principal will elevate the conversation around public education in Australia at a time of teacher shortages and mounting pressures on schools. By shining a light on the humanity, humour and heart of a primary school community, it will build empathy for educators, inspire the next generation to consider teaching, and celebrate the power of public education to hold communities together. Beyond inspiring individuals, the film will fuel community conversations about education equity and resourcing, engage parents and citizens in supporting their schools, and provide a rallying point for advocacy for a better-resourced, more inclusive public education system.

Through screenings, panel discussions, and partnerships with educational organisations, The Principal will be more than a film, it will be a catalyst for conversation and change.

At the individual level, we hope to inspire viewers to value teachers and even consider teaching as a career.

For organisations, the film can serve as a recruitment and training tool, and a conversation starter around leadership and wellbeing.

For communities, the film will spark pride in local schools and encourage deeper involvement.

And at the systems level, the film will contribute to a national dialogue about the future of education, using our Principal’s story to humanise the issues and advocate for policies that better support public education.

The Principal should become a rallying point for educators, parents and decision-makers alike, helping to shift the narrative from crisis to hope and possibility.

The principal in question, our star of the film, has agreed to participate in the film and is helping us drive access. The Department of Education has also provided clearance. Director Sue Thomson’s children all went through this public primary school and know the principal over years of close and fond association with her and the school. Our previous film CARELESS was also filmed at this public primary school.

Our calls to action will encourage audiences to engage with public education at multiple levels.

Parents and carers will be invited to thank and support their teachers, volunteer, and join school committees.

Young viewers and career-changers will be encouraged to consider teaching as a profession.

Policymakers will be urged to prioritise public education in budgets and policy decisions.

Communities will be inspired to champion their local schools, advocate for better funding, and celebrate their successes.

Above all, we want audiences to leave the cinema proud of public education and motivated to be part of its future.