Precious Knowledge
The story of Tucson students and teachers who fought to keep Mexican American Studies alive in their high schools — and the law that shut it down. A film about what happens when a classroom becomes a battleground.
A classroom. A law. A community that fought back.
Precious Knowledge follows students and teachers inside Tucson Unified School District's Mexican American Studies program in the year Arizona lawmakers moved to ban it. Told from inside the classroom, the film asks what's actually at stake when a state decides which parts of history get taught.
Since its release, the film has become a staple in university and high school classrooms nationwide, used to teach media studies, ethnic studies, education policy, and civics.
Teaching this film?
Precious Knowledge is available through Kanopy for university educational streaming and public library patrons. If your institution subscribes to Kanopy, you can screen it there under your existing license.
Frequently asked questions
How does the 48-hour rental work?
Your rental clock starts the moment you complete checkout, not the moment you press play. You'll get a personal link by email — come back to it as many times as you like within that 48-hour window.
What does "own" actually give me?
A permanent personal link to stream the film anytime, with no expiration. The film streams rather than downloads to your device — this keeps the film secure and is why we can offer it at this price.
I lost my email with the link. Now what?
Head to the watch page and enter the email you used at checkout — we'll resend any active rental or purchase link.
Do you offer classroom or group screening licenses?
Yes — reach out through the contact form below with your institution and expected audience size, and we'll follow up with options.