The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
    • Events Film The Kontenders Theater TV All
      Entertainment

      Teen Wolf: The Movie “The Ending That People Will Want,” Revealed a Cast…

      February 3, 2023

      Entertainment

      On The Scene: The New Queens of Six The Musical Talk Playing The…

      February 1, 2023

      Events

      Elevation Squared: Zooz Group cultivates a one of a kind experience at a…

      February 1, 2023

      Events

      Vine & Vinyl Hosts First Wine Market in Los Angeles

      January 29, 2023

      Film

      Pamela, A Love Story- Pamela Anderson In Her Own Words

      February 3, 2023

      Film

      Exclusive: Director of ‘Freedom Path’ Brett Smith talks about his career as a…

      February 1, 2023

      Film

      Oscar Nominee Ana de Armas Talks About New Film “Blonde”

      January 30, 2023

      Film

      Remember This: A one man film telling a story of humanity’s greatest crimes

      January 28, 2023

      The Kontenders

      KnockturnaLIST: Top 20 Favorite Films of 2022

      December 30, 2022

      The Kontenders

      BHFF Review: ‘Harbinger’ COVID Horror At Its Most Chilling

      November 9, 2022

      The Kontenders

      NYFF 2022: Aftersun

      October 7, 2022

      The Kontenders

      NYFF 2022 Opening Night: White Noise

      October 7, 2022

      Theater

      On The Scene: The New Queens of Six The Musical Talk Playing The…

      February 1, 2023

      Theater

      Remember This: A one man film telling a story of humanity’s greatest crimes

      January 28, 2023

      Theater

      Theater Review: Death of a Salesmen

      December 27, 2022

      Theater

      Review: Life Imitates Art in “The Collaboration”

      December 22, 2022

      TV

      Interview With Aaron Augenblick

      February 3, 2023

      TV

      EXCLUSIVE: Hugh Dillon Talks Mayor of Kingstown

      February 1, 2023

      TV

      BMF Season 2, Episode 4 Review

      January 30, 2023

      TV

      The Last of Us Season 1, Episode 3 Review

      January 29, 2023

      Entertainment

      Teen Wolf: The Movie “The Ending That People Will Want,” Revealed a Cast…

      February 3, 2023

      Entertainment

      Interview With Aaron Augenblick

      February 3, 2023

      Entertainment

      Pamela, A Love Story- Pamela Anderson In Her Own Words

      February 3, 2023

      Entertainment

      EXCLUSIVE: Hugh Dillon Talks Mayor of Kingstown

      February 1, 2023

  • Music
    • Koncerts News All
      Koncerts

      This Weekend: Nina Kraviz, Magdalena, Kevin de Vries and KAS:ST Launch Teksupport and…

      January 19, 2023

      Art

      LA3C WRAPS INAUGURAL TWO DAY FESTIVAL

      December 20, 2022

      Events

      Carnegie Hall Presents A Night of Inspiration

      December 19, 2022

      Entertainment

      City Girls and Flo Milli Perform at Billboard Live: R&B/Hip-Hop to Celebrate the…

      November 19, 2022

      News

      Listen: Volaris Shares Stunning Single, “I’m So Weak,” Ahead of Printworks Debut 2/3

      February 3, 2023

      News

      Exclusive: Demetrius Fleneroy Jr. Talks BMF’s Second Season

      January 27, 2023

      News

      Interview With Musician Meg Baird

      January 25, 2023

      News

      Wine And Spirites Tasting and Interview With Owner Debbie Ellen Jones, Of Ellen’s…

      December 28, 2022

      Music

      Neek Bucks debut album Blessed to the max

      February 3, 2023

      Music

      Listen: Volaris Shares Stunning Single, “I’m So Weak,” Ahead of Printworks Debut 2/3

      February 3, 2023

      Music

      On The Scene: Lil Yachty ‘Let’s Start Here’ Listening Experience

      January 30, 2023

      Music

      Exclusive: Demetrius Fleneroy Jr. Talks BMF’s Second Season

      January 27, 2023

  • Lifestyle
    • Art Events Fashion & Beauty Sports All
      Art

      Long Island Gallery Showcases Bellospirito’s Abstract Art

      February 3, 2023

      Art

      The New York EDITION Unveils 2022 Christmas Tree From Sarah Coleman

      December 20, 2022

      Art

      LA3C WRAPS INAUGURAL TWO DAY FESTIVAL

      December 20, 2022

      Art

      Art Review: Jennifer Elster Taps Into Visceral Memory With New Show at The…

      December 13, 2022

      Events

      Long Island Gallery Showcases Bellospirito’s Abstract Art

      February 3, 2023

      Events

      Thomas Turner Takes Super Bowl Week to Soaring Heights

      January 31, 2023

      Events

      On The Scene: Lil Yachty ‘Let’s Start Here’ Listening Experience

      January 30, 2023

      Events

      Festive Launch Party at Gordon Ramsay’s Restaurant

      January 29, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      Interview With James Andrew

      February 3, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      Exclusive Interview with Jason Rembert

      January 19, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      A Night With Cuba’s First Private Fashion Brand, Clandestina

      January 17, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      A Valentine’s Tale Told Through Jewelry

      January 13, 2023

      Sports

      The American Express x NBA 2K23 Lab: Day 3

      December 19, 2022

      Sports

      ON THE SCENE: DRY CHALLENGE AT SLT TREAD

      December 11, 2022

      Sports

      Chief Brand Officer Rich Orosco Talks All Things LAFC & MLS.

      December 6, 2022

      Sports

      We Chat W/ MLS EVP, Commissioner’s Office & Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion…

      November 22, 2022

      Lifestyle

      Long Island Gallery Showcases Bellospirito’s Abstract Art

      February 3, 2023

      Lifestyle

      Interview With James Andrew

      February 3, 2023

      Lifestyle

      Icon of the Seas’ AquaDome Takes Shape

      January 31, 2023

      Lifestyle

      I Heart Hennessy

      January 31, 2023

  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentFilmThe Latest

Peter Nicks’ Documentary ‘Homeroom’ Follows The Lives of Oakland High School Students As They Fight For Their Community

by Chloë Siller August 9, 2021
by Chloë Siller August 9, 2021 0 comment

Peter Nicks is an Emmy Award-winning director and cinematographer known for his works The Waiting Room and The Force, where the former won an Independent Spirit Award and was shortlisted for an Academy Award and the latter won the 2017 Sundance Director’s Prize. Peter Nicks has a B.A. in English from Harvard University and his master’s in journalism from UC Berkley.

Peter Nicks’ newest film, Homeroom, is the third installment in his documentary trilogy that centers around the community of Oakland, California. The Waiting Room, the first in the trilogy, was about showcasing America’s healthcare system in action – or, in the case of the public hospital that it takes place in, the inaction. The second in the trilogy, The Force, follows the officers of Oakland P.D. while on the job, and specifically focuses on their relationship with the community itself. Homeroom follows Oakland High School’s senior class of 2020 and the trials that the students face – from college applications, the student council’s mission to get the education board to abolish the campus police, the Black Lives Matter protests, and finally, the emergence of Covid-19. This film is also dedicated to his daughter who passed in 2019.

These three films have been the culmination of 15 years of work that focus on the reality that many people in the Oakland community face – the inadequacy and bias of the healthcare system, the discrimination from the police, and the lack of resources for education. In Homeroom, social media – Instagram stories, TikToks, Snapchat, texts, etc. – is used as a medium to follow along the lives of the seniors because its the primary form of communication for most young adults and teenagers. Through the use of social media in the documentary, you’re able to get real-time glimpses into the students’ lives and follow them along as they battle with the Board of Education.

Before filming started, the students had already started to campaign to get rid of the campus police as they felt unsafe around the officers. Throughout the film we watched as they organized meetings with the mayor, meetings with the student council, and endeavored to get more student representation at the community meetings, in order for the Board to move forward with the proposal. When the Board members vote no for the movement to go forward, Denilson, one of the student Board members, admonishes the other members that they aren’t listening to the people they’re supposed to represent, and that it isn’t right for them to ignore what the students want.

The murder of George Floyd and the protests that occur after re-ignites the students’ drive to convince the Board to rethink their vote, however, this is also the time that pandemic goes from bad to worse. As the community moves into lockdown and the protests continue, the students are facing more and more challenges: finishing senior year over Zoom and the cancellation of prom, the inability to go and visit their friends, the fear and uncertainty of applying for colleges. With Covid-19 restrictions, it was difficult for the students to organize their rallies and meetings, but they persevered until they were finally able to convince the Board to overturn their previous position on abolishing the campus police force. Additionally, those funds were then funneled into the improvement of the community’s education resources. We also witness how the students feel about dealing with the SATs and the stress that it causes them on top of everything else.

The film doesn’t hesitate to highlight the inequalities that the students face and despite that, they still fight for their community, to make it better for themselves and those that come after them.  Peter Nicks’ decision to include the social media of the young adults gave the audience insight to how these teenagers see the world and the influences that surround them – from music, to group events, even to misinformation on Covid-19. This film also highlights how the young adults of today’s society are a force to be reckoned with, and when they truly want to change things for the better, there’s nothing that can stop them.

After the film, there was a mediated discussion with Peter Nicks about himself and the documentary, where he gave insight to his creative process and the advice that he hope to impress on people through the film. Peter explains that his process for making this particular film started with The Waiting Room, and his decision to make these documentaries about healthcare, criminal justice, and education came from witnessing his wife’s work in the hospital and the issues that his daughter had been going through prior to her passing. He goes on to say that his first movie gained him attention in the community, but his second film The Force was received with mixed reviews, especially from the police force as it didn’t necessarily paint them in a good light. His style of no interviews in the film was inspired by Fred Wiseman and one of the reasons for filming like this was to achieve the “fly on the wall” point of view.

Peter was asked how he was even able to get access to a public school in 2019 and he explained his success with The Waiting Room led to community awareness, then he went to the school board to get their approval, but that the key was to get allies before going to those in charge so that there would be less roadblocks. With the emergence of COvid-19 and the first lockdown, Peter explained that they had to rethink the whole narrative; it drastically changed their approach, the focal point of the story, and it added a new level of uncertainty to not only the story, but everything as a whole.

Peter continued to explain that he wanted this documentary to get people to start redefining the way we measure potential. We shouldn’t base our societal merit on where we come from and what we have, but by the way we can contribute to our community and how we can improve ourselves. There is also the acknowledgement of how much society as a whole has changed – from the relationships that parents have with their children, to the relationship that we have with social media. In response to the question of bridging the generational gap, Peter said that maybe through social media and seeing how its used by young adults for a positive change can start to mend the generational gap of our society, that maybe it can be a way for everyone to enact change. Peter also hopes that through this we can look at education differently – that not everybody wants to go to college, that we shouldn’t base our students’ worth on a test score.

After watching these students go through the battle for change within their community, face the challenges of graduating high school at the start of Covid-19, and the uncertainty of life as a young adult today, yet keep their heads up high and come out the other side winning, it gives us a bit of hope.

Homeroom is out on Hulu on August 12th.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
covidDocumentaryOakland High Schoolpolice discriminationprotestsstudent activism
0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Chloë Siller

Music lover, avid reader of every kind of book, and an arts graduate

previous post
Exclusive: Maribel Lieberman Talks Her Amazing Chocolate Shop Mariebelle
next post
Exclusive: Marlon Wayans Talks ‘RESPECT,’ White Chicks 2 Possibility & So Much More! [Video]

Related Posts

Teen Wolf: The Movie “The Ending That People...

February 3, 2023

Neek Bucks debut album Blessed to the max

February 3, 2023

Interview With James Andrew

February 3, 2023

Interview With Aaron Augenblick

February 3, 2023

Pamela, A Love Story- Pamela Anderson In Her...

February 3, 2023

EXCLUSIVE: Hugh Dillon Talks Mayor of Kingstown

February 1, 2023

On The Scene: The New Queens of Six...

February 1, 2023

Exclusive: Director of ‘Freedom Path’ Brett Smith talks...

February 1, 2023

Thomas Turner Takes Super Bowl Week to Soaring...

January 31, 2023

BMF Season 2, Episode 4 Review

January 30, 2023

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Digital Cover No. 16

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

The legendary @questlove DJing at @whitneymuseum’s legendary #artparty 2023, with drinks by @casadragones
We made it over to the @whitneymuseum’s annual # We made it over to the @whitneymuseum’s annual #ArtParty, sponsored by @nililotan and @reviveskincare. Guests included @candacebushnell, @prettyboyeffect, @ashleygraham, @rebeccahall @blakeabbie, and many others. The evening benefits The Whitney’s venerable Independent Study Program.
Delicious food from @gordonramsayfishandchips' lau Delicious food from @gordonramsayfishandchips' launch party!
We attended @lilyachty’s #LetsStartHere listenin We attended @lilyachty’s #LetsStartHere listening earlier this week!

Thank you @courtneycl for having us 🙏🏽
Thank you @didiermorais & @vitalversatility for th Thank you @didiermorais & @vitalversatility for this opportunity!

Interview with @cmgthelabel artist @big_boogie_music on the way!
Thank you for having us tonight @siriusxm! @champ Thank you for having us tonight @siriusxm!

@champagnepapi live at #TheApollo along with #LilUzi, @21savage #Dipset 

Covered by @bolly.hood
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
    • Events Film The Kontenders Theater TV All
      Entertainment

      Teen Wolf: The Movie “The Ending That People Will Want,” Revealed a Cast…

      February 3, 2023

      Entertainment

      On The Scene: The New Queens of Six The Musical Talk Playing The…

      February 1, 2023

      Events

      Elevation Squared: Zooz Group cultivates a one of a kind experience at a…

      February 1, 2023

      Events

      Vine & Vinyl Hosts First Wine Market in Los Angeles

      January 29, 2023

      Film

      Pamela, A Love Story- Pamela Anderson In Her Own Words

      February 3, 2023

      Film

      Exclusive: Director of ‘Freedom Path’ Brett Smith talks about his career as a…

      February 1, 2023

      Film

      Oscar Nominee Ana de Armas Talks About New Film “Blonde”

      January 30, 2023

      Film

      Remember This: A one man film telling a story of humanity’s greatest crimes

      January 28, 2023

      The Kontenders

      KnockturnaLIST: Top 20 Favorite Films of 2022

      December 30, 2022

      The Kontenders

      BHFF Review: ‘Harbinger’ COVID Horror At Its Most Chilling

      November 9, 2022

      The Kontenders

      NYFF 2022: Aftersun

      October 7, 2022

      The Kontenders

      NYFF 2022 Opening Night: White Noise

      October 7, 2022

      Theater

      On The Scene: The New Queens of Six The Musical Talk Playing The…

      February 1, 2023

      Theater

      Remember This: A one man film telling a story of humanity’s greatest crimes

      January 28, 2023

      Theater

      Theater Review: Death of a Salesmen

      December 27, 2022

      Theater

      Review: Life Imitates Art in “The Collaboration”

      December 22, 2022

      TV

      Interview With Aaron Augenblick

      February 3, 2023

      TV

      EXCLUSIVE: Hugh Dillon Talks Mayor of Kingstown

      February 1, 2023

      TV

      BMF Season 2, Episode 4 Review

      January 30, 2023

      TV

      The Last of Us Season 1, Episode 3 Review

      January 29, 2023

      Entertainment

      Teen Wolf: The Movie “The Ending That People Will Want,” Revealed a Cast…

      February 3, 2023

      Entertainment

      Interview With Aaron Augenblick

      February 3, 2023

      Entertainment

      Pamela, A Love Story- Pamela Anderson In Her Own Words

      February 3, 2023

      Entertainment

      EXCLUSIVE: Hugh Dillon Talks Mayor of Kingstown

      February 1, 2023

  • Music
    • Koncerts News All
      Koncerts

      This Weekend: Nina Kraviz, Magdalena, Kevin de Vries and KAS:ST Launch Teksupport and…

      January 19, 2023

      Art

      LA3C WRAPS INAUGURAL TWO DAY FESTIVAL

      December 20, 2022

      Events

      Carnegie Hall Presents A Night of Inspiration

      December 19, 2022

      Entertainment

      City Girls and Flo Milli Perform at Billboard Live: R&B/Hip-Hop to Celebrate the…

      November 19, 2022

      News

      Listen: Volaris Shares Stunning Single, “I’m So Weak,” Ahead of Printworks Debut 2/3

      February 3, 2023

      News

      Exclusive: Demetrius Fleneroy Jr. Talks BMF’s Second Season

      January 27, 2023

      News

      Interview With Musician Meg Baird

      January 25, 2023

      News

      Wine And Spirites Tasting and Interview With Owner Debbie Ellen Jones, Of Ellen’s…

      December 28, 2022

      Music

      Neek Bucks debut album Blessed to the max

      February 3, 2023

      Music

      Listen: Volaris Shares Stunning Single, “I’m So Weak,” Ahead of Printworks Debut 2/3

      February 3, 2023

      Music

      On The Scene: Lil Yachty ‘Let’s Start Here’ Listening Experience

      January 30, 2023

      Music

      Exclusive: Demetrius Fleneroy Jr. Talks BMF’s Second Season

      January 27, 2023

  • Lifestyle
    • Art Events Fashion & Beauty Sports All
      Art

      Long Island Gallery Showcases Bellospirito’s Abstract Art

      February 3, 2023

      Art

      The New York EDITION Unveils 2022 Christmas Tree From Sarah Coleman

      December 20, 2022

      Art

      LA3C WRAPS INAUGURAL TWO DAY FESTIVAL

      December 20, 2022

      Art

      Art Review: Jennifer Elster Taps Into Visceral Memory With New Show at The…

      December 13, 2022

      Events

      Long Island Gallery Showcases Bellospirito’s Abstract Art

      February 3, 2023

      Events

      Thomas Turner Takes Super Bowl Week to Soaring Heights

      January 31, 2023

      Events

      On The Scene: Lil Yachty ‘Let’s Start Here’ Listening Experience

      January 30, 2023

      Events

      Festive Launch Party at Gordon Ramsay’s Restaurant

      January 29, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      Interview With James Andrew

      February 3, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      Exclusive Interview with Jason Rembert

      January 19, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      A Night With Cuba’s First Private Fashion Brand, Clandestina

      January 17, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      A Valentine’s Tale Told Through Jewelry

      January 13, 2023

      Sports

      The American Express x NBA 2K23 Lab: Day 3

      December 19, 2022

      Sports

      ON THE SCENE: DRY CHALLENGE AT SLT TREAD

      December 11, 2022

      Sports

      Chief Brand Officer Rich Orosco Talks All Things LAFC & MLS.

      December 6, 2022

      Sports

      We Chat W/ MLS EVP, Commissioner’s Office & Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion…

      November 22, 2022

      Lifestyle

      Long Island Gallery Showcases Bellospirito’s Abstract Art

      February 3, 2023

      Lifestyle

      Interview With James Andrew

      February 3, 2023

      Lifestyle

      Icon of the Seas’ AquaDome Takes Shape

      January 31, 2023

      Lifestyle

      I Heart Hennessy

      January 31, 2023

  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch