‘Counted Out’ documentary showing at Northwest on Nov. 14

'Counted Out' documentary showing at Northwest on Nov. 14

The School of Mathematics and Statistics at Northwest Missouri State University will show a documentary that investigates political polarization, racial and economic inequity, the global pandemic and climate change through the lens of math.

The screening of "Counted Out," which is free and open to the public, will begin at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, in Colden Hall Room 3500. Tickets may be reserved by clicking here.

Through personal stories, expert interviews and scenes of math transformation in action, "Counted Out" shows the power of math that undergirds democracy. It has been selected to screen at dozens of film festivals, including the San Francisco International Film Festival, South by Southwest EDU and Original Thinkers in Telluride, Colorado.

The School encourages educators at all levels, including education majors and others interested in improving mathematics education, to attend the Northwest screening. Dr. Jenni Wall, a professor of mathematics and statistics at Northwest, said she was especially interested in bringing the film to the campus after viewing it.

"It is important that we help society redefine how they see mathematics, what it looks like to be successful in math, and, more importantly, who has access to that mathematics," Wall said. "Many people are comfortable saying they aren't a math person, but math is impacting our lives whether we are aware of it or not. We can idly let others make decisions for us and tell us what to think, or we can be responsible consumers of media, informed citizens and use mathematics to critically view the world around us. This film will help highlight these messages and hopefully catalyze necessary changes in mathematics in our community."

Click here to watch the film trailer, or learn more about the film at countedoutfilm.com.