Empowering Educators, Inspiring Changemakers: Unleash the Power of Award-Winning Global Short-Documentaries
Curated by the international Social Impact Media Awards
About
We believe in the transformative power of documentaries to inspire and educate the next generation of changemakers.
SIMA Academy utilizes the storytelling power of award-winning global short documentaries to nurture globally competent and socially active learners worldwide.
In a media landscape saturated with fake and biased information it is imperative that educators have access to vetted and authentic media resources that ignite curiosity, foster empathy, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the world we live in.
Sourced from over 140 countries, and vetted through the international Social Impact Media Awards (SIMA), SIMA Academy empowers educators to easily integrate captivating films into their teaching practices, enriching and diversifying curricula and taking student engagement to the next level.
SIMA Academy is a goldmine for educators advancing 21st century education. Our curatorial emphasis on Global Citizenship, the SDGs, Human Rights and Social Innovation, makes each documentary a powerful tool for sparking conversations, challenging perspectives, promoting critical thinking, and inspiring service learning.
Loved and Trusted by
Learner Benefits
Students surveyed one semester after using SIMA Academy have shown the following characteristics:
- Greater awareness of international issues
- Greater self awareness and open mindedness
- Heightened critical thinking abilities
- Enhanced communication skills (inter-cultural, nonverbal and verbal)
- Increased openness to collaborate across cultures
- Heightened attentiveness to diversity
- Increased desire to seek out and challenge social injustices
- Increased desire to proactively participate in civic action/ engagement
How can we support your goals?
I am a representative of an institution or organization looking to provide my educators and members with world-class media resources that meet the needs of 21st century global education, diversify syllabi, and appeal to today’s learners.
Institution Access
Unlimited Institutional License
For institutions, changemaker campuses, schools, districts, networks, leadership academies, and libraries.
Custom Program Access
Unlimited Institutional License + Custom Programming
For professional development programs, teacher trainings, changemaker networks, and conferences.
I am an individual educator, learner, parent or guardian, looking for globally focused content and vetted resources that are authentic and align with the SDGs, Common Core, and Education for Global Citizenship.
Individual Access
Monthly or Annual Subscription to SIMA Academy
For individual educators, learners, parents or guardians developing curriculum or seeking educational global learning tools.
I am a representative of an institution or organization looking to provide my educators and members with world-class media resources that meet the needs of 21st century education, diversify syllabi, and appeal to today’s learners.
Institution Access
Unlimited Institutional License
For institutions, changemaker campuses, schools, districts, networks, leadership academies, and libraries.
Custom Program Access
Unlimited Institutional License + Custom Programming
For professional development programs, teacher trainings, changemaker networks, and conferences.
I am an individual educator, consultant, or learner looking for globally focused content and resources that are easy to navigate and align with the SDGs, Common Core, and Education for Global Citizenship.
Individual Access
Monthly or Annual Subscription to SIMA Academy
For individual educators, students, changemakers and education consultants developing programming and curriculum.
Our Story
In 2012, SIMA started as the first international media competition and awards honoring achievements in the creative, human rights, and humanitarian fields. Today, SIMA is the most renowned curator in the social impact space, serving independent film, academic, social justice and sustainability industries globally.
The annual SIMA Awards, now in its 12th year, receive entries from over 3,000 filmmakers from 140 countries, offering a unique and global acquisitions pipeline that guarantees high quality media resources for SIMA Academy. Access to those unique stories transport audiences to the frontlines of today’s global issues as seen and experienced through local eyes; equipping Institutions and Organizations to effectively:
- Combat Disinformation & Strengthen Media Information Literacy (MIL)
- Acquire Global Citizenship Skills
- Nurture Global Competency & Leadership
- Advance Climate Literacy
- Advance DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging)
- Achieve The Goals Of Anti-Bias Education
- Advance SEL (Social Emotional Learning)
- Increase participation in civic actions
The SIMA Academy Platform
SIMA Academy is the 2021 and 2023 Winner of the prestigious "Content Provider" EdTech Award—
The world's largest awards program for education technology, recognizing the biggest and most innovative names in edtech.
Award-winning
human stories
Powerful short documentary films by filmmakers from around the world—inspiring cross cultural understanding, critical thinking and action.
Fast, accessible and secure streaming
Custom designed by Vimeo, the world’s leading service company delivering high-definition video across devices. Available online and via Android and iOS.
Time-tested and loved
SIMA Academy has been a leading name in Global Education for over 7 years serving 70+ partners and over 1000+ institutions with a subscription retention rate of over 95%.
Hyper-curated and professionally vetted
200+ of the best films from the annual Social Impact Media Awards. Curated by leading experts in education, human rights and social impact.
With SIMA Academy, you will:
Inspire Global Perspectives: Expose your students to diverse cultures, social issues, and stories from around the world. These documentaries provide a unique lens through which students can explore global topics and develop a deeper appreciation for the complexities of our interconnected world.
Foster Empathy and Understanding: Through authentic storytelling, documentaries encourage empathy and help students connect with people and communities facing unique challenges. They provide a platform for discussing social justice, human rights, environmental sustainability, and other pressing issues that shape our global society.
Enhance Classroom Discussions: Facilitate meaningful conversations and promote active engagement in your classroom. Use our documentaries as a catalyst for thought-provoking discussions, encouraging students to share their insights, analyze different perspectives, and develop their own informed viewpoints.
Cultivate Critical Thinking: Equip your students with the skills necessary to think critically about complex topics. Documentaries offer real-world examples, presenting students with an opportunity to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and develop their own informed opinions.
Encourage Active Learning: Take your lessons beyond the traditional classroom setting. Incorporate activities such as research projects, multimedia presentations, service-learning initiatives, and film clubs to deepen student understanding and encourage active participation.
