Playing at the 28th Philadelphia Film Festival, running from Oct. 17 through October 27 is the The Nomads, directed by Brandon Eric Kamin and starring Tika Sumpter and Tate Donovan.
When school closures force a teacher to relocate to a North Philly high school, she uses rugby as a way to empower her disaffected students in this powerful drama based on a true story.
Also featured in the film are Christopher Mann, Khalil McMillan, Vladimir Versailles, Devon Ray, Andy Riddle, Thomas Pierce, and Marla Mindelle.
Metal detectors and morning frisks are a rude awakening for English teacher Cassey “Mac” McNamara (Tika Sumpter). After a billion dollar budget deficit closes 20 schools in the Philadelphia School District, Mac takes on — with pepper spray in hand — a new role as an American History teacher at North Philly’s Whitman High School. Even before she can lecture on the War of 1812, a fight in the cafeteria proves to be more enticing for her students and leaves her with an empty class. When she makes a surprising connection with a fellow transfer, science-now-math teacher Mark Nolin (Tate Donovan), over their shared passion for rugby, the two set out to create Whitman’s first rugby team.
Corralling the most vocal, at-risk, and troubled students into an organized team proves fruitless at first. But with perseverance — and a few laughs — Mac and Mark begin to see changes in the ragtag group of players… until a tragic event threatens everything they’ve worked towards. Inspired by a true story, The Nomads captures the grit, love, and inherent underdog mentality that make Philadelphia a special place to call home.
The Nomads will screen on October 27 at 8:15pm
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