'Won't Back Down' Draws Mixed Reaction At Local Premiere - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

"Won't Back Down" was filmed in Pittsburgh, but it addresses the problems facing public school systems across the country.

It talks about charter schools which have been a hot issue in Philly.

Wednesday night's audience agreed the movie is compelling, but some question whether it's the real story.

The movie is about two parents, one a teacher, both fighting to improve their children's education. It stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis, who battle a powerful bureaucracy as they try and open their own school.

Philadelphia area native, writer and director Daniel Barnz, who comes from a family of teachers, spoke to a full audience at the Rave Cinema in University City. He says the movie is a celebration of teachers with a mission of hope.

"Every kid deserves to be able to go to school and learn how to read and unfortunately they can't right now. We offer up a movie hopeful they can," said Barnz .      

Students First, a movement pushing reform, held a panel discussion after the premiere.

Reaction was mixed.

"I thought it was a good movie, but I have concerns. Only two out of 10 charter schools really work, so what do we do about the eight failing charter schools? I think there needs to be more accountability," said Sylvia Simms, President of Parent Power.

"It's a piece of fiction, and there were exaggerations and inaccuracies, but it was compelling for parents wanting good neighborhood schools," said Jerry Jordan, President of the Philly Federation of Teachers.

"The movie is empowering for teachers and parents and, for me, that's critical because those two stakeholders have been the least empowered in this entire education reform movement, " said George Parker, Former President of the Washington Teachers Union.

The movie opens Sept. 28th.