Parkland Rising Parent Guide

In the wake of the February 14^th, 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that left 17 dead and 17 injured, Rebecca Boldrick feels her family’s good fortune. “We’re the lucky ones,” she acknowledges. “Our children survived. But they’re different children. Their childhoods ended that day and their lives of activism began.”

Parkland Rising tells the story of this youthful activism. The documentary focuses on Rebecca’s son, David Hogg, fellow student Ally Hirsch, and bereaved parent Manuel Oliver, whose son Joaquin Oliver died in the shooting. By turns inspiring, heart-breaking, and terrifying, this production is a tribute to those who can, in the midst of their own grief, dedicate their lives to the safety of their fellow citizens.

Although the commitment and passion of the students are uplifting, this documentary does not minimize their long term trauma. As one student points out: “I’m not a survivor yet. I’m still healing. I’m still processing.” The movie shows just how much the kids have to process. Opening with cell phone footage from inside the school and audio from the 911 calls made during the attack, Parkland Rising takes us into the fear and terror of the assault. In candid interviews, the teens share their emotions during the shooting and the fears that can now be triggered by everyday events and sounds.

As the camera follows David Hogg, it becomes clear that his life as a gun control activist is a hazardous one. He receives death threats and is cat-called, sworn at, and threatened in public. Despite his calm persona, Hogg frets over the misinformation about him sweeping the internet. He’s convinced that the hate-filled memes will get him killed, but as he says “We’ve lost our friends. What else do we have to lose?” Just as disturbing as Hogg’s casual acceptance of his possible death is listening to his father, a former FBI agent, share his fears for his son’s safety and discuss his own constant surveillance of every crowd.

Parents or teachers weighing the pros and cons of this film for teen viewers will want to be aware of the violent scenes, which are not graphic, but which might alarm kids who already fear school shooters. And they will note the three dozen profanities, including twelve sexual expletives.

Negative content aside, Parkland Rising delivers a stirring look at the ability of a small group of people to change a country’s conversation and eventually its laws. This could well motivate teens and is worth watching for adults trying to get a glimpse of the future of American politics. After all, as Hogg points out, “The young people will always win.”