An inspiring new short film about resilience, compassion, and the power of teachers has taken centre stage at Cannes.
Re-Story Your Life, a heartfelt short documentary based on the life of celebrated speaker Jaz Ampaw-Farr, has won the Programmer’s Choice Award at the Diversity in Cannes Film Festival, recognising stories that promote inclusion and diverse representation.
The film, directed by Nosco Films’ Susanna Wright, is already making waves among educators and changemakers for its moving portrayal of small yet pivotal acts of kindness that alter a child’s destiny. At just nine minutes long, the documentary delivers an emotional punch and a powerful message.
Combining unflinching honesty with lyrical visuals, Re-Story Your Life recounts how five teachers changed Jaz’s life. From surviving abuse and rejection in the care system to captivating global audiences, her journey illustrates the lasting legacy of compassionate teaching. Cannes’ recognition places this narrative at the forefront of conversations about educators as cultural heroes.
Why It Matters Now
At a time when many schools are understaffed and overwhelmed, this film couldn’t be more relevant. It’s a timely reminder that true heroism often comes in the form of showing up, listening, and believing in someone when no one else does.
Ampaw-Farr is now one of the UK’s most respected speakers, having given thousands of talks at TEDx events and leading venues such as ExCeL London. Her voice, rooted in real-life hardship and transformation, resonates with growing calls for empathy-based leadership.
“I didn’t set out to be inspirational — I just wanted to assert educators as everyday heroes,” said Jaz Ampaw-Farr. “This film is both harrowing and hopeful. It’s a love letter to the people who saw past my behaviour and into my potential. The fact that their impact has now been recognised on the world stage? That’s everything.”
Creative Vision
Produced by Nosco Films and directed by award-winner Susanna Wright, the documentary is a compelling blend of personal narration, atmospheric visuals, and archival material. It asks a haunting yet hopeful question: Could one teacher’s belief be enough to save a child’s life?
The film is currently being shown at prominent education and leadership events across the UK. Custom screenings are also available for schools, trusts, and corporate groups committed to equity and staff wellbeing.
What’s Coming Next
The Cannes honour paves the way for a packed summer of recognition and celebration for Jaz. Her new book Because of You, This Is Me launches this month and will be featured at the Inspiring Leadership Conference (12 June) and the Festival of Education (4 July), where the film will also be presented.
In July, Jaz will receive honorary doctorates from Hull University (15 July) and Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln (30 July) for her contributions to public service and education. She’ll also premiere her first comedy show at the Edinburgh Fringe (20 August) under The Glitter Challenge, raising funds in memory of her friend, the late writer Jo Fletcher Cross.
