Left Behind

In the heart of the South Bronx stands the South Bronx Literacy Academy, a small, unassuming building overshadowed by the surrounding charter schools. Left Behind, directed by Anna Toomey with support from notable figures like U2’s drummer Larry Mullen Jr and Nightline anchor Juju Chang, shines a light on the realities of dyslexia while celebrating the power of grassroots activism. At its core, the documentary chronicles the challenging journey to establish the first public school in New York City dedicated to supporting dyslexic students. Driven by a determined group of parents, the creation of the academy stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of community-led action, offering hope for a brighter future for children with the diagnosis.

Left Behind opens with startling statistics: one in five people live with dyslexia, yet 48% of prison inmates share the diagnosis. Such figures are not just sobering – they highlight the devastating consequences of a system that neglects to accommodate learning differences. However, it’s the film’s personal and intimate approach that resonates most deeply – it is through touching scenes of parents and children navigating the challenges of dyslexia that Toomey paints an unflinching picture of the toll that systemic educational neglect can take on young lives. The film excels in exploring the human side of its subject matter, showing not only the practical hurdles but also the emotional resilience of those affected. Co-founder Naomi Peña and other members of the Literacy Academy Collective naturally emerge as the heroes of the narrative. However, Left Behind resists the temptation to portray the education system or figures like Mayor Eric Adams as outright villains, even though such a narrative would have been easy to construct. Instead, the film focuses on hope and progress, highlighting the success of the school through the achievements of its inaugural cohort of students.

Delving into the broader implications of dyslexia, Toomey also challenges viewers to question common misconceptions and appreciate the unique strengths often inherent in those with the condition. Rather than framing dyslexia as a deficit, the feature celebrates it as a distinctive way of thinking, capable of unlocking immense potential when properly nurtured. With its thoughtful combination of real-world challenges and optimism, Left Behind becomes both a call to action and a beacon of hope, advocating for an education system that leaves no child behind. Through Toomey’s engaging, resonant direction, the film offers a profoundly educational experience for all audiences while serving as an inspiring beacon of hope for educators, activists and parents navigating similar challenges. 

Christina Yang

Left Behind is released in select cinemas on 17^th January 2025.

Watch the trailer for Left Behind here: