Doc Edge Schools

Virtual Classroom

Online screening platform, accessible to all schools across the country.

Welcome to the Virtual Classroom, your year-round destination for curated documentaries that inspire, educate, and explore. We firmly believe that students throughout Aotearoa can greatly benefit from having access to outstanding documentaries as an integral part of their curriculum. That’s why, starting in 2020, we extended our reach to offer nationwide online screenings, ensuring that all schools and tertiary organisations across Aotearoa could enjoy these valuable resources.

“I love the work you guys do at Doc Edge. Its amazing, and I’m always impressed at the offer and materials you have for schools.”
– Hutt Intermediate School 2021

“The documentaries were VERY informative and interesting. There were certainly some GREAT discussions… after the viewings.” – Teacher 2022

The Film Collection

Our collection comprises an array of incredible films, meticulously curated to cater to the needs of educators. These films serve as a powerful supplement to lesson plans, enabling educators to enhance their teaching with engaging visual content. With the Virtual Classroom Subscription, educators gain the freedom to select films that closely align with the New Zealand curriculum, thereby enriching their students’ learning experiences.

The Education Kit

In addition to the vast selection of films, we provide comprehensive education kits that accompany each documentary. These kits are designed to assist educators in seamlessly integrating the films into their lessons, offering a range of supplementary materials and resources. By utilising these education kits, educators can ensure that their students derive maximum benefit from the documentaries, fostering a deeper understanding of the subjects explored.

Membership

It is free to sign up or renew for a new School subscription account. Once subscribed, you will receive in your email a login account to access the film collect.

For existing members, login to the virtual classroom to access the film collection instantly.

Films

Our virtual film collection this year is also curated for the in-cinema selection, which includes six feature films and three compilations of short films. They are chosen for their compelling educational value and relevance to modern academic discussions. These films not only entertain but also challenge perceptions and encourage critical thinking across various subjects such as social studies, history, and the arts. Prepare for a cinematic adventure around the globe that promises to enrich your curriculum and provide your students with an unforgettable learning experience.

Every Little Thing

Sally Aitken | AUS, NZ | 93 min
Environmental, Global Studies

In the heart of Hollywood’s glitz, Terry Masear embarks on a deeply personal quest as she cares for injured hummingbirds. This visually stunning documentary weaves a touching narrative about love, vulnerability, and recovery.

Habana Shakes

Marcelle Lunam | NZ, AUS | 70 min
Spanish, Social Studies

Kiwi director Lunam follows five young Cubans; a skater, tattoo artist, actor, ballerina and an electronica DJ over ten days in Havana. What is it that they want in their Cuba and in their futures?

Hounga’ia – Be Grateful

Mele Tupou | New Zealand | 4 mins * Won Best Secondary Film in the 2024 Student Short Competition

Hounga’ia is a well-executed documentary with a powerful subject at the heart of the story, that makes you want to see the next chapter in their lives.

Ice Maiden

Nathaniel C. T. Jackson, James Blannin-Ferguson | NZ, AUS | 90 min
Physical Education, Environmental Studies

Kiwi director Jackson and Australian director Blannin-Ferguson chart the uncompromising determination of Australian Lisa Blair, who became the first woman in history to sail solo around Antarctica.

Ko au te Awa, ko te Awa ko au – I Am The River, The River Is Me

Petr Lom | Netherlands | 86 min
Māori, Environmental Studies

The Whanganui River, the first river ever to be recognised as a legal person, parked a global ‘rights of nature’ movement. Māori river guardian Ned Tapa takes his friends on a canoe trip, down this iconic river that is the main character of the film.

Invisible Nation

Vanessa Hope | United States | 85 min
Social Studies

With unprecedented access to Taiwan’s sitting head of state, director Hope investigates the election and tenure of Tsai Ing-wen, the first female president of Taiwan.

Mauri

Maurizio Benazzo, Zaya Benazzo | US | 71 min
Māori, Social Studies

The film is a testament to the radiant beauty and unbreakable resilience of the Māori culture. Mauri unveils the profound ancestral wisdom woven into Māori healing traditions, illuminating a restorative path to mend the wounds inflicted by colonialism.

Mozart’s Sister

Madeleine Hetherton-Miau | Australia | 90 min
Music, History

Director Hetherton-Miau reveals and tests controversial new evidence by music experts and forensic handwriting analysts to find if Maria-Anna Mozart played a part in well-known compositions attributed to her brother Wolfgang Mozart, turning our gaze to the legacy of unrecognised female creators.

Name Me Lawand

Edward Lovelace | UK | 86 min
Social Studies

Five-year-old Lawand is on a quest to find a world where there are people like him — people who will understand him. Since birth, Lawand has been profoundly deaf and unable to communicate with those around him. He undertakes a treacherous journey with his family from Iraq to Derby, home of the Royal School for the Deaf.

No Home Owner

Gabrielle Meffey/ | New Zealand | 13 mins

* Won Best Tertiary Film in the 2024 Student Short Competition

Filmed in their small hometown Waiuku (New Zealand), the documentary explores Sarah’s relationship with houses, as a way for Gabi to better understand her mum’s worldview.

Poised

Toby Robson | UK | 108 min
Physical education, Health, Social Studies

Zero opportunity, poverty and crime are common themes in the housing estates of Sunderland, North East England. Out of the ashes of loss, can one man use mixed martial arts to save young people from the toughest parts of our society?

Resilient Man

Stéphane Carrel | France, UK | 90 min
Dance, Drama Studies

Famous dancer Steven McRae’s struggle at the pinnacle of his career to return to the stage after suffering a severe injury which could put an end to his position within the Royal Ballet of London.

Spontaneous Combustion: Songs for Barry Brickell

Bruce Rober Foster | New Zealand | 70 min Art

A celebration of Barry Brickell’s legacy and the realisation of his extraordinary dream, Driving Creek Railway, a productive pottery with numerous kilns, a railway, a native bird sanctuary, and a lively creative hub drawing artists from around the globe.

The Click Trap

Peter Portal | Spain | 90 min
Technology

The film exposes the alarming truths behind the digital advertising economy, worth hundreds of billions of dollars, showing the far-reaching impact it’s having on our lives, both on and offline.

The Great White Whale

Michale Dillion | Australia | 104 min
Science, Geography, Environmental Studies

This is the extraordinary tale of those first attempts to climb Big Ben, the smoking glacier-ringed volcano on Heard Island told by those who were there. At times expeditioner John Crick sings the songs too, as befits such an epic saga.