Paper Clips

2004 • 83 minutes

About this movie

When the students of Tennessee 's Whitwell Middle School began studying the Holocaust as a way to learn about intolerance and diversity, nobody could have predicted the results. In 2001, the Paper Clip Project culminated in a unique memorial that changed the lives of those who created it, as well as touching Holocaust survivors and countless communities.
Because Norwegians invented the paper clip and used it as a symbol of solidarity against the Nazis, students started collecting them to help visualize such vast numbers of victims. As word spread online and in the media, paper clips poured in from around the world, 11 million of which are enshrined in an authentic German railcar standing in the schoolyard. "Patiently told and lovingly made" ( Variety ), this inspiring, award-winning documentary shows how even small-town students and educators can teach the world powerful lessons.

Ratings and reviews

As a northerner who has lived in the east, and Europe a now lives in Nashville ( a relatively liberal enclave compared to the rest of the South), I recommend this film as required viewing in all US schools. The pace is a bit long and somewhat self indulgent and could use some material outside this little community to broaden its appeal.

This should be watched by any person who ever thought they might have had a racist thought in their mind. These kids and teachers redifine what good is. I have always said nothing good happens until there is a body. My god how many bodies is it going to take. Take the time to watch this and watch it with a kid.

I watched this a couple years ago and was blown away.. what an eye-opener! and it really puts into perspective the number of Jews murdered during WWII. Quite moving..