Meet Noor, Noah, Sam, Mfaz, and Esther - five American teenagers with a shared dream: To secure victory in the Super Bowl of public speaking, known as the National Speech & Debate Association Nationals. Their journey forms the plot of the documentary "Speak" crafted by Jennifer Tiexiera and Guy Mossman.

On top of showcasing the talents of these articulate teens, the film also weaves intimate glimpses of their personal lives with their rigorous preparation for the 2024 NSDA Nationals. Each participant uses their speech platform to address prevalent political and social challenges. Debuting at the Sundance Film Festival in January, "Speak" has since been lauded for its raw and compelling content, echoing the vibes of films like 'Bend It Like Beckham,' and "A League of Their Own."

An inspiring production on the festival circuit, "Speak" saw its most recent screening at the 27th annual Sarasota Film Festival. Executive produced by Josh Gad, the film aims to redirect the youthful narrative and revitalize the dialogue on politics and society that is typically dominated by seasoned politicians.

The filmmakers embarked on their journey with "Speak" after interacting with young talent at a competitive speech event in 2019. Their disappointment in the stagnant state of political talk inspired them, Mossman states, to give voice to these young savants and draw attention to their potential to steer the conversation intelligently and empathetically.

Getting the right cast for the documentary was an exhaustive task, with over 400 potential participants whittled down to the final five over six months. They wanted a holistic representation of the teen orators, showcasing both their competitive faculties and their personal lives.

The film is meant to serve as a motivator, aspiring to drive changes in educational practices and encourage advocacy for educational programs in schools across the country. Despite challenges in securing distribution deals post-Sundance, the team remains hopeful, planning numerous high school and university screenings to ensure their message reaches the audiences.