Left Behind
USA. 2025. 74 min. Anna Toomey. Abramorama. English. NR.
Left Behind tells the powerful story of a group of passionate mothers who unite to create the first public dyslexic school in New York City, the largest school district in the country.
Approximately 200,000 New York City public school students are dyslexic, yet there is no public initiative that provides the specialized skill and care necessary for these learners. Frustrated that they had to remove their own kids from the public school system, a group of determined moms band together to do something that’s never been done before—open New York City’s first public school for dyslexic students. The journey is not a smooth ride, and they face both institutional and personal hurdles as they try to upend a system.
A new mayoral candidate bolsters their fight after he reveals his own dyslexia. But will they be able to convince a bureaucratic education system to overhaul outdated politics to ensure a brighter future for the city’s dyslexic youth?
February 26, 2025 (Only) FREE Special Student Screening and Q&A with director Anna Toomey.
Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM—11:30 AM
Location: JBFC Theater, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville, NY 10570
Grade Level: High School
Note: Buses must arrive at the JBFC Theater by 9:15 AM. The JBFC will cover the cost of ONE bus for under-resourced schools. Bus availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. All bus invoices must be sent to JBFC within 60 days after the event in order to be paid. This event will be photographed. Prior to the event, educators will be asked to return photo releases for all students attending.
Special Guest: Anna Toomey, Director of Left Behind
Anna Toomey an Emmy Award-winning producer with 20 years of experience. She has worked for ABC News, Good Morning America, ABC News’ long-form unit, and Peter Jennings Reporting. She creates compelling, character-driven stories with passion and integrity. Anna won two Daytime Emmy Awards at Good Morning America. She directed multiple camera shoots, including a roundtable discussion with Robin Roberts and Sheryl Sandberg for her book Lean In. She also produced a series of breast cancer awareness segments, including ABC News Correspondent Amy Robach’s emotional journey after her diagnosis. Anna lives in New York with her husband and two children. She owns her own production company, Sandy Dog Productions.
