HomeIt looks like John Legend is directing his talents towards a deeper impact as he helps put the spotlight on America’s public school system.
The issue takes center stage in the new film, Waiting for Superman, which recently premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. The film, which examines failing school systems around the country, offers a look at students, whose chance of a bright future depend on long shot lotteries that determine which children will get to attend a choice alternative school.
For the Davis Guggenheim-directed feature, Legend contributed a new song titled “Shine.” The tune, which received high marks from Guggenheim, can be heard during the closing credits for Waiting for Superman.
“Shine” “was completely inspired from seeing the film and seeing the stories of the children in the film, because it follows these kids who have potential, have a certain desire to do well,” Legend told the Associated Press. “They are in circumstances where they are surrounded by failing public schools, and they see the light, they see a few schools in their area that are succeeding. But you have to win a lottery to get into these schools.”
Although he hopes Waiting for Superman will motivate the people to do something regarding public schools, Legend knows it will be a challenge to find an audience for get the documentary.
“I feel that this film is really inspiring, it’s really moving. It has all the things you want out of a good film, the singer said. “The drama and the suspense and the interesting characters that you want to follow. It also teaches you something important about what’s going on in our country.”
As it stands now, the rights to Waiting for Superman have been purchased by Paramount Vantage. Look for the documentary to hit theaters later this year.