MAKER
FILM TOOLKIT FOR AMERICAN SPACES
This film toolkit is designed for programming at American Spaces. American Spaces should work with their Public Diplomacy Section to ensure this film is appropriate for American Spaces audiences.
FILM DETAILS
Year Release: 2014
Rating: NR
Duration: 65 minutes
Public Performance Rights: Yes
English Level: Intermediate
Director: Mu-Ming Tsai
Starring: Chris Anderson, Barry
Katz
Themes: STEM, makerspaces,
Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
Kanopy Link:
Maker Movie
FILM CONTEXT
The Maker Movement, sometimes called the Third
Industrial Revolution, subverts traditional
manufacturing by building on innovative concepts
such as open source, local manufacturing, crowd
funding, and digital fabrication. Maker delves deep
into this ecosystem of design and manufacturing in the internet era. The film explores the ideas, tools, and
personalities that are driving the Maker Movement.
The documentary conducts extensive interviews
with key figures behind headline-making projects
and meets with the daily practitioners and
observers of the movement. The filmmakers
provide insights into how this movement can
impact global and U.S. society, culture, and
economy.
KEY VOCABULARY
Maker Movement – A
cultural trend that places
value on an individual’s
ability to create. Makers
come from all walks of life,
with varied skill sets and
interests.
Maker Space – A
collaborative
workspace inside a school,
library, or separate
public/private facility for
making, learning, exploring,
and sharing that uses high
tech to no tech tools. They
provide hands-on learning,
help with critical thinking
skills, and even boost self-confidence.
Maker Faire – An event
that celebrates arts, crafts,
engineering, science
projects, and the Do-It-
Yourself (DIY) mindset.
Collaborate – To work with
others on something.
Tinker – Attempt to repair
or improve something in a
casual way
Discussion Questions
- What did you like best about this documentary?
- What are the effects of the Maker Movement?
- What is a maker?
- Do you consider yourself one?
- How can you become a maker?
- What resources are available to become a maker?
OverDrive Resources
Books
Magazines
Additional Resources
Updated June 2025
Note: These resources and technology listed in this toolkit are not exhaustive. In addition, the views expressed in the resources do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. government.
