Spelling the Dream

About Spelling the Dream

"Spelling the Dream" is a social and cultural documentary that was released in 2020. The film focuses on the incredible journey of Indian-American students competing in the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States. With a blend of humor and heart, the documentary delves into the backgrounds, challenges, and tenacity of these young spellers as they strive to achieve success on the national stage.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts

About

The documentary follows the journeys of several determined young spellers of Indian descent as they prepare for and compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. It showcases the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices made by these students and their families to excel in the high-pressure spelling competition. "Spelling the Dream" reveals the impact of cultural heritage, community support, and individual resilience in the pursuit of academic excellence.

Making / Production

The documentary is directed by Sam Rega and produced by Chris Weller. It provides an intimate look at the lives of the spellers, their families, and the broader Indian-American community. Through interviews, archival footage, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the National Spelling Bee, the film captures the emotional highs and lows of the competition journey.

Actors

• Matteen Azizam as Himself - A talented speller determined to make his mark on the National Spelling Bee.
• Akil Rekulapelli as Himself - Another dedicated speller showcased in the documentary.
• Shourav Dasari as Himself - One of the young spellers whose story is featured in the film.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Spelling the Dream" highlights the dominance of Indian-American spellers in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, with many recent champions coming from this community.
• The film explores the cultural significance of the spelling bee competition to the Indian-American community and the importance placed on academic achievement.