How Emmy-winning Brockton filmmaker takes on fraught topic — state of our schools

BROCKTON — Growing up, many children are taught education is the key to success, and one Emmy Award-winning filmmaker from Brockton is on the hunt to find solutions for students to reach their full potential and examine high school education systems in inner cities.

The topic of education all over the country, including Brockton, has been extensively discussed, especially during and in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Noube Rateau’s goal is to “expose the perspectives of those affected and highlight possible solutions.” The film is divided into four parts: the current state of education, race and identity, family engagement, and successful teaching pedagogy — or methods.

“Gateway communities like Brockton, Lynn, New Bedford, Lawrence and Lowell have historically been underserved and underfunded, which has disproportionately impacted inner-city students,” Rateau said in a written statement.

In the documentary, Rateau will give us all the ins and outs of the education system from the mouths of teachers, students, administrators and anyone working in education.

Grew up in Brockton, understands the challenges

Rateau was raised and grew up in Brockton, so he understands what challenges students attending inner-city schools are facing and is aware of the challenges they may endure at home.

“I’ve wanted to do this documentary for years, but it seems like a good time. Education is how students succeed, but there’s been a gap since COVID between how students learn and teachers teach. I’m looking forward to the documentary closing this gap,” Rateau said.

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As a TV productions teacher at Lynn Vocational School, Rateau thinks his school has “cracked the code” when it comes to teaching and keeping their students engaged and passionate.

“My school is awesome. I think we’re doing it right. This is how you teach kids. Lynn Tech changed my perspective on how students should be taught in education,” Rateau said.

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What other documentaries has he made?

The education film will be Rateau’s ninth documentary, and he doesn’t plan on stopping. Productions have been a passion that turned career and part-time side hustle, Noube Productions.

Rateau, since 2009, when he started his production company, has won six awards for his films and their topics ranging from fatherhood, drug addiction, gun control, inner-city sports, policing and immigration.

On each topic he aims to provide an unbiased perspective, challenging viewers to think outside their views.

When will the documentary be released?

You can expect the film’s release in the fall of 2025, and production has already begun.