Amidst the chaos of massive budget cuts and school closures, a young female teacher introduces men’s rugby to an inner-city North Philadelphia high school.
Nomads, The
Drama | Sports | 2020
Cast
Tika Sumpter, Tate Donovan, Thomas Pierce, Andy Riddle, Devon Ray, Vladimir Versailles, Marla Mindelle, Christopher Mann, Khalil McMillan, Raekwon, Pure, Marcus Allen, Jennifer Butler, Cassie Haynes, Matthew Opacity, Erik Blachford, Mo’ne Davis, Volieda E. Webb
Synopsis
When school closures force a teacher to relocate to a North Philly high school, she uses rugby as a way to empower her disaffected students in this powerful drama based on a true story.
Metal detectors and morning frisks are a rude awakening for English teacher Cassey “Mac” McNamara (Tika Sumpter, Southside with You). After a billion dollar budget deficit closes 20 schools in the Philadelphia School District, Mac takes on — with pepper spray in hand — a new role as an American History teacher at North Philly’s Whitman High School. Even before she can lecture on the War of 1812, a fight in the cafeteria proves to be more enticing for her students and leaves her with an empty class. When she makes a surprising connection with a fellow transfer, science-now-math teacher Mark Nolin (Tate Donovan), over their shared passion for rugby, the two set out to create Whitman’s first rugby team. Corralling the most vocal, at-risk, and troubled students into an organized team proves fruitless at first. But with perseverance — and a few laughs — Mac and Mark begin to see changes in the ragtag group of players… until a tragic event threatens everything they’ve worked towards. Inspired by a true story, The Nomads captures the grit, love, and inherent underdog mentality that make Philadelphia a special place to call home.
Producers
Brandon Eric Kamin, Aimee McDaniel, Mark Donadio, Miriam Marcus, Tika Sumpter
Director
Brandon Eric Kamin