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Bring Make Me A King to Your Classroom

A Powerful and Universal Short Film for Educators Exploring Family, Religion, and Identity

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Make Me A King is an award-winning short film that has captivated audiences at over 45 prestigious international festivals, including BAFTA and Academy-qualifying events.

Inspired by the historical figure Pepi Littman, the first Yiddish Drag King, the film follows Ari, a Jewish Drag King, on their deeply personal journey toward acceptance and self-expression.

WHY SHOW THIS SHORT FILM IN YOUR CLASSROOM?

universal themes for youth and adult 

1. Family & Acceptance
Invite students (and parents) to reflect on family relationships, personal identity, and the universal quest for unconditional love — themes that resonate across cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. So far, more than 1000 families have been impacted in positive opening conversations with their kids about it. "You just have to love me asks Ari" to her family.

2. Cultural Identity & HeritageExplore how tradition and personal authenticity intersect, using the film’s Jewish cultural backdrop to connect with broader identity narratives. This film is so universal that can applied to any culture or religion.

3. Social Justice & Advocacy
Discuss human rights, equality, and the legal recognition of LGBTQ+ communities in historical and contemporary contexts.

4. Emotional Resilience & Personal Growth
Encourage any kid, teen and young adult to reflect around identity - "who am I"? And again inspire personal courage, societal challenges, and transformative acceptance.

+45 Film Festivals

+2000 students and community members

Who has chosen Make Me a King so:

Universities : Edinburgh University, Tulane University, Hult International Business School, etc

Schools: Calabria High Schools and Elementary (Italy): + 500 students, + 10 yo 

Religious Institutes: Central Synagogue NY, Emmanuel Temple NY, Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles, Temple Beth El Hollywood, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW)

Cultural Organisations: Ledwood Centre, Pink Peacock, WFTV (women and film and tv UK)

How It Fits Into Your Curriculum 

Make Me A King into classroom discussions about:

  • Social Studies & History: Cultural heritage, societal norms, and legal rights.

  • Literature & Media Studies: Storytelling, symbolism, and narrative structure.

  • Identity & Religion: Empathy, acceptance, and resilience.

  • Music History & Culture: Study the origins and significance of Yiddish music.

  • Performance & Composition: Inspire students to create original pieces.

 

Classroom Resources We provide:

  • A comprehensive educator’s guide with discussion prompts and activity ideas.

  • Access to digital screenings or in-person showings.

Why Choose This Film?

Make Me A King is more than a film — it’s a teaching tool that creates space for meaningful discussions about identity, acceptance, and understanding. It fosters open conversations that inspire students to reflect on their values, explore diverse perspectives, and build a more compassionate world.

Bring Make Me A King to Your School

Click below to enquire about licensing options for your educational screenings. Transform learning through the power of storytelling.

Forward

"In mixing Yiddish and English, old and new worlds and challenging preconceived notions of family and community, “Make Me a King” aims to shake up the traditional history of Jewish culture – a tall order for a short film that’s less than 15 min"

DAZED

"Interestingly, there have also been no fictional films made about any contemporary performers – never mind about historical figures, artists who have long been shaping a drag form that women, non-binary, and gender diverse people engage in"

DIVA

"Pepi sang serious and comic songs in Yiddish dressed as a khosid"

© UNLEYEK 2024 Productions. All Rights Reserved. Contact us for inquiries, partnerships, and additional resources.

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