Synopsis

“North Putnam” depicts a year in the life of a rural Indiana school district and the community it serves.  Crafted with empathy, a hyper-real reporting lens and skillfully lush cinematography, the film aims to reach across divides and to spark action-oriented conversations about the interdependence between public schools and community development. 

Why we made it

“North Putnam” is a special initiative of  The Castle , the nonprofit organization producer Beth Benedix  founded and has directed since 2012 in Putnam County, IN.  The Castle matches local public schools with community artists and faculty and students from neighboring DePauw University  to provide authentic, creative, relevant learning experiences where participants feel seen, heard, valued and empowered.

The film depicts the larger context in which The Castle lives, the "why" behind the programs and partnerships it develops, the urgency we feel as an organization to nurture learning environments where kids and teachers feel connected to what they’re learning and to each other. In this moment that is so precarious for public (and especially rural) education, the film provides an intimate glimpse into the daily realities and challenges that so many schools and communities across the county are facing.  

How you can help

"North Putnam" is getting attention!!!!  The film premiered at the Sidewalk Film Festival, won the Indiana Spotlight Documentary Award (Heartland Film Festival) and Impact Award (DC Independent Film Festival), was one of nine films chosen to be featured at SXSW EDU 2025 and is touring with the South Arts Independent Filmmakers Circuit.  

THIS is the moment to keep pushing hard to get "North Putnam" in front of as many people as possible who are poised to use it to make meaningful change.  Funding will go towards a dedicated distribution campaign that will target venues and audiences with maximum exposure to policy, education and community leaders at the national level.  We have so much work to do to ensure that our schools survive and moreso, thrive.

We are so grateful for all donations, which are tax deductible!