Notes From the Field

About Notes From the Field

"Notes from the Field" is a compelling exploration of the American education system and prison pipeline, based on the one-woman play by actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith. The film follows Smith as she portrays multiple real-life characters, collected from hundreds of interviews, who have experienced or been part of the school-to-prison pipeline. The stories shed light on the complexities and challenges within the American education and justice system.

Making / Production

"Notes from the Field" is directed by Kristi Zea and is based on Anna Deavere Smith's critically acclaimed, award-winning play of the same name. The movie was produced by HBO Films.

Actors

• Anna Deavere Smith: Starring as multiple characters, Smith seamlessly embodies various personalities, telling their stories and perspectives on the school-to-prison pipeline.

Note that Anna Deavere Smith is the only credited actor in the film. The rest of the characters are portrayed by her.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is based on a critically acclaimed play of the same name by Anna Deavere Smith.
• Anna Deavere Smith portrays more than a dozen real-life characters, each with their own perspective and experiences.
• Smith's portrayals are based on her direct interviews with individuals across America, shedding light on the school-to-prison pipeline issue.

Quotes

• "In poor communities, there's no slack for kids to be kids." - Sherrilyn Ifill, as portrayed by Anna Deavere Smith
• "There was 'Equity', and there's 'Carver'." - Linda Cliatt-Wayman, as portrayed by Anna Deavere Smith

Music, Soundtrack

The film's music is composed by iconic musician Marcus Shelby. His careful arrangement sets a tone that embodies the heavy subject and emotional content.