Spelling the Dream is a documentary film directed by Sam Rega that delves into the unique and remarkable phenomenon of Indian-American dominance in competitive spelling in America. The film traces the history of this trend, which began in 1985 when an Indian-American student, Balu Natarajan, won the National Spelling Bee.
The documentary features interviews with former spelling bee champions, parents, coaches, and experts, as well as archival footage from past competitions. It also follows the journeys of four Indian-American students - Ashrita, Akash, Shourav, and Tejas - as they prepare and compete in the 2017 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
The film explores how the Indian-American community's emphasis on education and success has contributed to this phenomenon, and also raises questions about cultural identity, assimilation, and the American Dream. Spelling the Dream depicts the stress and pressure that young spellers face as they navigate a grueling competition that tests not only their spelling abilities but also their poise, confidence, and resilience.
The documentary received positive reviews for its insightful and engaging portrayal of an underdog story that highlights the powerful forces of determination, ambition, and cultural pride. Critics praised the film for its compelling characters, candid interviews, and poignant messages about identity, multiculturalism, and the pursuit of excellence. Spelling the Dream is available on Netflix.
