Hidden Figures work

1. Why is it so important that the US got a man into space at this time?

A. It was very important that they got a man into space as the Russians already had satellites and rockets up there so they needed to get a rocket up there so that they could compete with the Russians. They also believed that the Russians were spying on the US using cameras on satellites. It was a big issue for US security so they had to act quickly to try and stop it from happening

2. What do we learn about the professional and personal lives of the 3 women?

A. All 3 of the women are very clever and specialise in different areas, we see how the women realise that they will be objectified as they are black 'negro' women and don't even try to get themselves better jobs as they don't want to "entertain the whites"

3. The film is set in 1962 when life in the US was segregated. How is this shown in the film?

A. Segregation is shown in the film as the black women have a separate room where they work called 'Coloured computers' this is very racist but it is completely normal for the ladies and they don't think twice about it. The women have to sit in separate areas of the bus from the white people. The black women also had separate toilets from the rest of the workers as they were not allowed to share the same areas.

4. How does each woman get around the barriers that prevent them from getting ahead in the workplace?

A. All 3 of the women get around the barriers preventing them in the work place by being patient and not try to push for better jobs immediately. By being patient the women are not seen to be desperate for better jobs but over time they become stronger people and know how they can progress in the Nasa workspace without looking like they are trying

5. What is the importance of their friendships with each other?

A. The girls friendship is a very important part of the film as it shows that no matter how hard times can get if you surround yourself with good people you will be happy with them and not think about your problems as much.

6. What different camera shots are used and how can we tell what each character is thinking or feeling?

A.

7. Do you feel that the ending was satisfactory? Would you change it in any way?

A.

8. What do you think the intended message of the story was?

A. That no matter how hard life can be (Due to race, beliefs, views, gender) if you stay strong through it then you will succeed. At the time it may feel like you can't but if you have a little belief in yourself then you will be okay.

9. Why do you think that this film won so many awards when it was released?

A. Because it portrays a very important message and it is put together in a very effective way that makes the viewer want to believe in themselves and strive for excellence. Life may be hard but as long as you give it your all you will most definitely succeed.