SIMA Academy is an award-winning digital learning platform that uses documentary film to inspire critical thinking, global awareness, and civic agency in today’s students. Designed for schools, universities, and leadership programs, it offers ready-to-use film collections and learning resources that connect classrooms to real-world issues and global perspectives. Originally developed for UNESCO’s Global Citizenship Education network, SIMA Academy helps educators bring authentic storytelling into their curriculum — empowering students to see clearly, think independently, and act with purpose.

SIMA Academy stands apart by merging the artistic integrity of world-class documentary cinema with the rigor of evidence-based education. Unlike typical streaming platforms, it curates globally sourced, award-winning social impact films — selected for their educational value through the annual SIMA Awards, recognized as the Sundance of world cinema. Films and collections can be paired with standards-aligned lesson plans and project-based activities that transform viewing into active learning and civic engagement. Designed to be flexible and easy to integrate, SIMA Academy functions as a dynamic curriculum asset — adaptable across subjects, grade levels, and teaching styles. Its films serve as catalysts for conversation and action, complemented by filmmaker Q&As, inquiry-based learning pathways, and global themes that connect directly to students’ lived experiences and the world they are inheriting.

SIMA Academy is designed for high schools, universities, and professional development programs worldwide. Its flexible, interdisciplinary resources enrich a wide range of subjects — including Social Studies, Humanities, Civics, Global Issues, Ethics, Environmental Science, and Leadership. Whether integrated as a core teaching tool, co-curricular enrichment, or part of institutional initiatives, SIMA Academy empowers educators with inquiry-based tools that deepen learning and advance student engagement.

All SIMA Academy resources are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing classroom frameworks. Each film and lesson plan aligns with recognized international and national standards, including:

• UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• UNESCO Global Citizenship Education (GCED) competencies
• 21st-Century Skills and Global Competencies
• Common Core and International Baccalaureate (IB) learning objectives

This ensures that educators can easily connect SIMA Academy content to required learning outcomes while enriching their curriculum with authentic, real-world perspectives.

 Your annual license includes:

• Full access (for unlimited licenses) for all educators, faculty, and students within your institution.
• Unlimited classroom use and student film club screenings — with no additional screening fees.
• 280+ award-winning short documentaries and impact films, curated through the annual SIMA Awards.
• Bi-annual content updates, adding approximately 30 new films each year to keep the library fresh and relevant.
• Educator onboarding and implementation support, including a welcome kit and user guide.
• Student leadership certification opportunities through SIMA Film Clubs and global changemaker programs.

Recognition for educators through the annual SIMA Changemaker Awards, celebrating excellence in impact education.

Each school receives a unique Access Code that provides access for all teachers and students. Users can stream from any device, on campus or remotely. SIMA Academy also integrates smoothly with Google Classroom, Canvas, and most LMS platforms.

Yes. Institutions can request a 14-day demo to preview films and classroom tools. Educators may also book a short walkthrough call for personalized guidance.

Yes. Every title on SIMA Academy is professionally vetted for educational relevance, age appropriateness, and full classroom licensing rights for institutional use. Content advisories and trigger warnings are provided to help educators make informed selections aligned with their students’ maturity levels and learning objectives.

SIMA Academy features films from over 100 countries, showcasing a vast spectrum of voices, cultures, and lived experiences. Each film is selected for its authenticity and global relevance, representing creators and communities often underrepresented in mainstream media. Subtitles and closed captions are available for most films, with additional languages and accessibility features added regularly, ensuring cultural integrity, inclusion, and meaningful engagement for all learners.

SIMA Academy currently reaches 160,000+ students and 5,800 educators across 100+ countries. Schools report measurable gains in student performance, media literacy, and civic engagement, with educators describing the experience as “transformative” and “essential for teaching global awareness.” Read our impact stories here and our testimonials here.

 Getting started with SIMA Academy is simple:

1. Subscribe online.
2. Receive your order confirmation, custom Access Code, and educator onboarding kit.
3. Share access with your faculty using the announcement and instruction templates provided.

Ready to explore how SIMA Academy can fit your institution’s goals?
Subscribe or Book a Discovery Call here.