Pressure Cooker

• Director: Mark Becker, Jennifer Grausman
• Theatrical Release Date: May 27, 2009
• Distributor: BEV Pictures
• On The Web IMDB Entry

Synopsis: Within the first 10 minutes of this documentary filmed at Frankford High School in Northeast Philadelphia, Culinary Arts instructor Wilma Stephenson lets the students know that passing her class will be no easy feat. Her no-nonsense demeanor (more like that of a boot camp sergeant than that of a public school teacher) and tough-love nature are what immediately draw some students to her. While some will opt out of her class before the first week is even over, the ones that stay will have you cheering for them. Three students in particular (Erica, Dudley and Fatoumata) struggle to compete for scholarships to some of the best culinary colleges while fighting to overcome personal, financial and family difficulties. Documenting two semesters in a video journal style, stress levels both at home and in the classroom build, but the sheer drive and determination of these inner-city high school seniors will leave you wishing that there were more audacious characters like Wilma Stephenson and more hard-working students in every classroom. [Synopsis courtesy of Philadelphia Cinefest]