Planet Classroom Unveils 9 New Shorts: Music, Movement, and the Future of Mobility

A global October lineup spans orchestral masterworks, youth empowerment, accessible tech, and next-gen transportation

The Planet Classroom Network announces nine new short films premiering this October that celebrate human ingenuity—from symphonic storytelling and dance-for-camera to education breakthroughs and smarter cities. Curated for global youth and families, the collection connects art, equity, and innovation with powerful, real-world impact.

"These films show how creativity changes lives—on stage, in classrooms, and in the streets where we move," said C. M. (Cathy) Rubin, Co-Founder and CEO of Planet Classroom. "From Nairobi to New York, Kuala Lumpur to Berlin, October's lineup invites audiences to imagine what's possible—and act."

NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- October Spotlight Films (Creators credited)

• Bard Conservatory Orchestra with Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins — Bard College Conservatory of Music presents James Lee III's Sukkot Through Orion's Nebula, Delius's The Walk to the Paradise Garden, and Holst's The Planets, led by Thomas Wilkins.
  
  
• Men of Iron and the Golden Spike — Composer Zhou Long; libretto Su Wei; The Orchestra Now conducted by Jindong Cai with massed choruses; presented by the US–China Music Institute (Bard).
  
  
• The Future of Gaming Characters Is Alive — Written & produced by Raejon Treasure; a Planet Classroom short on Inworld AI and emotionally intelligent NPCs.
  
  
• Dirt Court Dreams — Directed by Cassandra Heikkila; produced by Daniel Karnafel; cinematography Michael Kuba; edited by Dean Jacobson. Tennis mentorship lifts youth near Kibera, Nairobi.
  
  
• SOLS Solution — Directed by Logan Cassidy; producer/editor Chester Xie; cinematography Arielle Flinkman. Free English and digital skills at SOLS 24/7 Malaysia transform lives.
  
  
• Peacock — Directed by Mimi Garrard; co-choreography & performance Tim Bendernagel; camera/edit Mimi Garrard; music Jonathan Melville Pratt; costume Mindy Nelson. A vivid dance-for-camera portrait.
  
  
• AI Restores Lost Voices: Ann Johnson's Incredible Comeback — Produced & narrated by Sahana Garrett. UCSF/UC Berkeley researchers decode brain signals to speech, restoring Ann's voice.
  
  
• VIA: The Future of Public Transportation — Created by Adityanand Vemal Moonilal. Via, led by CEO Daniel Ramot, brings AI-routed, on-demand transit to 500+ cities.
  
  
• Xpeng AeroHT: The Future of Personal Flight — Created by Gabriela Zavala. A fully electric, modular flying car envisions one-button "sky mode" and near-term mass production.

Why it matters

Planet Classroom now curates 800+ short films spanning AI, social justice, the arts, mental health, and youth empowerment—making it one of the largest global storytelling platforms created for and with youth.

Watch the October Collection on Planet Classroom's YouTube channel and follow the conversation: #PlanetClassroom.

The Planet Classroom Network, produced by CMRubinWorld, brings together creators, youth, and thought leaders to explore the most important issues of our time. Through series like AI for a Better World, Net Zero Speaks, and Problem Solvers, Planet Classroom showcases bold ideas in education, sustainability, and innovation—created for and with youth.

SOURCE Planet Classroom Network