Whatever It Takes

2009 DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival – Best Feature Documentary

Even before the 8:30 a.m. opening bell rings on the first day of school, the stakes are enormous for first-year principal Edward Tom and the 108 students of the brand new Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics.

In a tough neighborhood where gang violence, drugs and poverty are everyday challenges, this new South Bronx high school and its charismatic Chinese American principal begin their first year together under high pressure and even higher expectations.

Over the course of the 2005 school year, filmmaker Christopher Wong takes us on a gripping journey into the inner lives of Principal Tom, his faculty and their students, documenting their struggles and triumphs as they attempt to overcome the odds and achieve their goals.

Each day brings new challenges for students fighting to meet rigorous academic standards, with some struggling to support their families. Teachers question their ability to reach out to students and even their desire to continue teaching. Amidst all this, Principal Tom is called upon to be the glue that holds everything together, to inspire hope, foster commitment with his no-nonsense approach, and ultimately gain the respect of the school and the South Bronx community by bringing new meaning to the term “tough love.” — Mike Song





Preceded by:

Through his canvas, animator Will Kim introduces us to three developmentally challenged children as they imagine, play, draw and dream.

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