Banned Together

As a high school librarian I'm aware of what's happening in our country regarding books being banned and challenged. But the vast majority of Americans have no idea about the storm that is brewing between the 1st Amendment and far-right groups like Moms for Liberty.

It's so depressing to read the news each day and see that yet another state has banned books such as Fahrenheit 451 or George Orwell's 1984. They are passing laws that not only can't the books be taught in the schools, but that students can't even be in possession of the books while on school property.

Watching the teens in Banned Together will give you hope for the future.

Please watch this powerful and engaging documentary!

This was such an amazing documentary about the importance of free speech and the right to read. It was told beautifully through the eyes of high school students in South Carolina as they worked to reintroduce books that were banned in their school district. It highlights the importance of books in our society and really peels back the curtains on why people are trying to ban books which I found fascinating. Unfortunately, it does end right before the current administration took office so obviously things are even more volatile in this area right now. But if anything that just reinvigorates me more to stand up for what I believe in.

Banned Together is a powerful documentary that lingers long after the credits roll. It follows three high school seniors from Beaufort County, South Carolina-Isabella Troy Brazoban, Elizabeth Foster, and Millie Bennett-as they fight against book bans in their district. Nearly 100 books, many featuring LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and female voices, were pulled after complaints from a very small group of parents influenced by organizations like Moms for Liberty.

What makes this film so compelling is its personal nature-you're not just watching a policy debate, but real students with real stakes refusing to be silenced. Their journey through school board meetings, protests, and national advocacy highlights their passion for free speech and representation. If you think 'today's generation' is only interested in TikTok trends, these students tenacity will surprise and inspire you.

Beyond their local battle, Banned Together connects to a nationwide wave of censorship, forcing viewers to ask: Who decides what students can read? What are we really protecting them from? And why are marginalized voices often the target?

Critics have praised the film for good reason-it's inspiring, eye-opening, and, at times, infuriating. It showcases both the courage of these students and the creeping threat of censorship in public education. If you care about free speech, education, or youth activism, this is a must-watch.

Banned Together is an incredibly timely, important film filled with powerful characters- beloved authors, passionate students, and voices from all walks of life resisting acts of censorship that are happening all around the US in this very moment.

It is wonderful to experience advocacy in action, and I felt that I really learned on a very personal level, who is affected by the attack on public education, and more importantly - what can be done to stop these attacks. Extra kudos to the volunteers from Defense of Democracy who were featured in the film!

This is a wonderful and necessary work, and I highly recommend it!

Banned Together was the first film I watched when I joined the Defense of Democracy Film Festival, and I couldn't have asked for a more meaningful entry point.

With so much public debate around banned books and the erosion of public libraries, I was eager to understand the deeper, more personal layers of the issue. What this film delivers is nothing short of extraordinary.

The young people at the center of Banned Together, particularly the groups of teenage girls who lead with passion, clarity, and a love of literacy, were inspiring. Watching them advocate for access to books and ideas reminded me of what true civic engagement looks like. Even more powerful was seeing adults standing beside them, helping to amplify their voices and guide them to public forums where dialogue could flourish.

The film's diversity is another vital element. It reflects the truth that this battle for knowledge, inclusion, and representation affects all of us. We are in this together - and Banned Together doesn't just say that, it shows it.

As someone on the inside of a film festival, I know I have the privilege of early access. But this is a story the public must see. The issue of book banning is not symbolic, it's actively reshaping communities. And this documentary answers with clarity, urgency, and heart.

Highly recommended.