We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest

About We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest

Every year in Oakland, CA, hundreds of pre-K through 12th grade students compete in the Martin Luther King Oratorical Festival, performing a mix of published and original poetry and speeches. This documentary chronicles the months leading up to the 40th annual festival, as schools across the city send their top-placing students to compete. It is a portrait of passionate young people raising their voices about issues they care about – racial injustice, immigration and more – and of a community that celebrates them. Directed by Emmy® winner Amy Schatz and executive produced by Mahershala Ali.

Media Releases

January 13, 2020

WE ARE THE DREAM: THE KIDS OF THE OAKLAND MLK ORATORICAL FEST debuts Feb. 18
  • HBO

  • We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest