A Thinking Outside the Box Event
Film Screening & Discussion: 2e: Twice Exceptional
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM - Film Screening
12:00 PM– 12:30PM - Q&A with Filmmaker Tom Ropelewski, Dr. Matt Zakreski and Dr. Austina De Bonte
“2e: Twice Exceptional is an honest, up-close look at what it’s like to be – or to be the parent or teacher of — a young person who’s both gifted and coming to terms with a learning difference. Essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding where our next generation of game-changing outliers may be coming from.”
– Steven Kotler, New York Times best-selling author of The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance.
Through intimate storytelling and commentary from students, parents, educators, and therapists, the film offers an honest, up-close look at what it’s like to navigate the education system as a 2e learner, or to support one. Often misunderstood or mislabeled as lazy, disruptive, or underachieving in traditional classrooms, 2e students possess a wide range of intellectual strengths and talents that cannot be captured by any single label.
The documentary challenges deficit-based models of education and instead highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing the strengths and individuality of these young people.
The film focuses on middle and high school students at Bridges Academy in Studio City, California, one of the first schools in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to educating twice exceptional students.
Bridges Academy has drawn international attention for its innovative, strengths-based approach and its commitment to developing creative educational solutions for learners who don’t fit conventional molds.
Following the screening, attendees are invited to stay for a live Zoom Q&A with filmmaker Tom Ropelewski, along with Dr. Matt Zakreski and Dr. Austina De Bonte, for a deeper conversation about twice exceptionality, education, and advocacy.
About the Filmmaker
Tom Ropelewski is an award-winning writer, producer, and director for film and television. His credits include Madhouse, Loverboy, The Kiss, Look Who’s Talking Now, and The Next Best Thing, as well as serving as writer and executive producer for the sci-fi series Seven Days. He lives in Berkeley, CA with his wife, screenwriter Leslie Dixon (Mrs. Doubtfire, Hairspray, The Thomas Crown Affair, Limitless).