The Corporation for High Schools

“The film inspires me NOT to pursue a business career.”

We recently held a focus test screening of the upcoming, new educational version of The Corporation with a group of 24 students from Windermere Secondary School in Vancouver, BC, Canada. There were 24 youth in total, ranging from grades 8-10, and  they had extremely positive reactions with all but one liking or loving the film (the single holdout said it was okay).

“It was a very good film, it showed lots of material that is normally censored by the news and media.”

Surprised, inspired and moved to find out the “behind-the-scenes” or inner workings of the corporation, they were excited to learn something new and eager to share with their friends and families.

“Makes me want to scream and tell everybody about what is happening.” -- All 24 youth said they would tell their friends about the film.

When asked about what the film inspired them to do, most responded by saying they want to learn more and educate others. One student expressed that when Michael Moore tells the audience to get off the couch and do something, he wished he would tell them what to do.

Since our goal is to launch an educational campaign and get students to participate, we asked if they would be interested in starting or joining Corporation Student Clubs to meet with others interested in the issues. Almost half said they would, and suggested ways to spread awareness as activities.

“Challenge government. Spread awareness. Educate.”

Most students would visit a website for more information or to enter a contest, and some mentioned that they would enjoy an interactive element such as a game that taught you about corporations. Students expressed an interest in wanting to do something creative for the contests –video contests were by far the most prevalent, followed by contests that helped students learn and share information with their peers (e.g. poster contests, art projects, and sustainability challenges).

“Corporations are all around us yet we are unaware how they control or manipulate us. We have to do SOMETHING (like educate others) in order to change our futures.”

All in all, it was an amazing session, and we were left with a renewed sense of purpose on the importance of The Corporation reaching the next generation and engaging with them to 'occupy their future.' Thanks to all the Windermere students who participated!