A deeply moving short film that celebrates the life-changing role of teachers has earned international recognition at the Diversity in Cannes Film Festival.
Re-Story Your Life, a powerful documentary based on the early life of renowned speaker Jaz Ampaw-Farr, has taken home the Programmer’s Choice Award at this year’s Diversity in Cannes, shining a global spotlight on the unseen heroes within our schools.
Directed by Susanna Wright of Nosco Films, the nine-minute film has already been embraced by educators, changemakers, and leadership professionals. It brings into sharp focus the everyday acts of compassion that often go unnoticed—but that can entirely reshape a child’s destiny.
With poetic visuals and an emotionally raw narrative, Re-Story Your Life follows Jaz’s personal transformation. From suffering abuse and neglect in the UK care system to gaining standing ovations on international stages, her story is anchored by five teachers who believed in her when no one else did. Cannes’ recognition reframes teachers not as background figures, but as powerful architects of change.
Why It Resonates Now
As the education sector grapples with burnout and teacher shortages, the film offers both a timely tribute and an urgent message. It reminds us that acts of kindness and belief often hold more power than any policy reform.
Ampaw-Farr is now one of Britain’s most respected keynote speakers, having delivered thousands of talks—from TEDx platforms to major arenas like the ExCeL. Her story, rooted in lived experience, resonates particularly in a moment where trauma-informed leadership is gaining traction.
“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.”
About the Production
Produced by Nosco Films and brought to life by award-winning director Susanna Wright, the film uses a blend of voiceover, powerful imagery, and archive footage to tell Jaz’s story of survival and hope. Its central question lingers long after the final scene: Could one teacher change the course of your life?
The film is currently being screened at major educational conferences and leadership events around the UK, with private showings also available for schools, multi-academy trusts, and organisations prioritising wellbeing and inclusion.
What’s Next for Jaz Ampaw-Farr
The success of Re-Story Your Life comes at a pivotal time for Jaz. Her latest book, Because of You, This Is Me, is launching this month with a UK tour that includes key appearances at the Inspiring Leadership Conference (12 June) and the Festival of Education (4 July), where the award-winning film will also be screened.
This summer will also see Jaz honoured with two honorary doctorates—from Hull University (15 July) and Bishop Grosseteste University (30 July)—in recognition of her outstanding public service and impact in education. She’ll round out the season by debuting her first stand-up comedy show, The Glitter Challenge, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (20 August), raising funds in tribute to the late writer Jo Fletcher Cross.
