Heart of Stone

Friday, July 17 - Thursday, July 23, 2009

When Ron Stone took over as principal of Weequahic High School in 2001, gangs ruled the school. Crime and shootings were commonplace and during his first month on the job he watched students engage in a mass brawl in every hallway. Parents were afraid to send their children to WHS.

Stone devised an unconventional plan to realize his vision of turning the school around. He started by working with the gangs and establishing the school as a “non-violence” zone. He implemented conflict resolution meetings teaching gang members to resolve their differences by words instead of guns. He transformed the gang culture of the school to one of discipline and performance. WHS became a place where parents were knocking down the doors to send their kids. At Weequahic High School, where Philip Roth immortalized his Newark, NJ as a turn of the century Camelot, we watch an unusual tale unfold where past meets present and adolescents strive to overcome adversity.

Director Beth Kruvant in person for Q&As Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 19 and Tuesday, July 21-Thursday, July 23 at 1:50 & 8:00 shows.

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.