Inspired by the true story of World War II’s first African American fighter squadron, Red Tails is a thrilling action-packed film. Red Tails uses the historic backdrop of World War II to tell the story of a cast of men, drawn from many walks of life, who were united in their desire to fight against tyranny. Not considered worthy of a front line role by the Army brass, the men of the 332nd squadron, known as the Tuskegee Airmen, spend their time flying dilapidated aircraft picking off the remnants of the German forces and yearning to engage the Luftwaffe one on one. When the Tuskegee Airmen get the chance to provide air cover for a landing operation they prove how devastating they can be and are chosen to escort and protect the Allied bombers on their most daring mission yet – the first raid on Berlin.
Designed for students of media, PSHEE and citizenship aged 13-16, the resource focuses on the film’s central theme of racism and the courage of those who challenge it head on. Offering a range of citizenship activities based on the film, these materials provide students with engaging ways to consider the relevance of this story today by exploring ways to share its message in preparation for Black History Month in October.
Media students can view clips from the film in order to identify and evaluate how key conventions establish the action adventure genre. These activities develop students’ skills of close reading and critical analysis whilst the PSHEE and citizenship tasks engage students in thinking about human rights and challenging discrimination.
Film Education held an exclusive preview screening of Red Tails followed by a Q&A with star Cuba Gooding Jr and producer Rick McCallum. Find out about the event in our screenings archive, where you can listen to audio files from the Q&A, hear the student interviews from the Talkback session and read the exclusive interview and review by our Young Film Critic winner Lizzie Daniels.
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