'URBAN ED' is a high-school drama written, directed and produced by Wade Wofford, following four young people whose lives are thrown into upheaval when their small charter school suddenly closes.
Set in Springfield, Massachusetts, the film centres on Aryana, a teenager already carrying responsibilities far beyond her years. At home she helps care for her younger siblings while privately dealing with grief following her brother's murder.
For Aryana and her closest friends, their small school provides a refuge from the pressures of life outside the classroom. But when the school closes mid-year, they are transferred into an overcrowded neighbouring public school where inadequate resources, overworked staff and systemic failures dramatically alter their education.
Following the friends across an academic year, 'URBAN ED' explores education not only inside the classroom but through their homes, communities and everyday lives.
Inspired by Wade Wofford's own experiences as an educator, the film won the Audience Choice Award at the Boston International Film Festival and Best Independent Feature at the New York Independent Cinema Awards.
Writer / Director / Producer: Wade Wofford
Starring: Kayla Staley, Keaton McLachlan, Ace M Small, Rae-Shan Nate' Barclift, Wade Wofford, Hillary Jones, Tenille Ja'Nae
Genre: Drama / Coming-Of-Age / Education Drama
Setting: Springfield, Massachusetts
Distributor: Buffalo 8
Release Date: August 28, 2026
🎞️ Watch the trailer:
