'Unlikely' documentary, about obstacles to completing college, gets free Detroit screening

Detroit Free Press staff
A screenshot  from the documentary "Unlikely."

Starting college doesn't always lead to a degree. An estimated 40% of students who started at a four-year university in 2011 didn't graduate in six years, according to federal statistics. 

The documentary "Unlikely" shows the obstacles students face that can lead to dropping out of college — often leaving people with debilitating debt but without a degree that can lead to higher earning potential and economic mobility.

The film follows five students who manage school, jobs to pay for school, parenting, family tragedies and enormous debt on their mission to earn a degree — ultimately showing that dropping out doesn't have to spell the end of one's chances of pursuing higher education. 

The film's Detroit premiere takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Cinema Detroit. The free screening is presented by the Kresge Education Program at the Kresge Foundation, WDET and Freep Film Festival

Through the lens of students and experts, the film makes the case that the nation's higher education perpetuates inequality, and that there are ways universities can eliminate barriers and focus on student success. 

Directors Jaye and Adam Fenderson's previous effort, "First Generation," chronicles students striving to be the first in their families to attend college. For both films, Jaye Fenderson draws from her experience as an admissions officer at Columbia University. 

After the film, Jaye Fenderson will be part of a discussion that will also feature Dawn Medley, associate vice president for enrollment management at Wayne State University, and Johnathan Williams, a graduate of Wayne State University's Warrior Way Back Program. Stephen Henderson, host of WDET's "Detroit Today," will moderate the conversation. 

'Unlikely' screening

Doors at 6:30 p.m., film at 7 p.m. Wed., Dec. 11

Cinema Detroit

4126 Third Ave., Detroit

The theater has a parking lot. There also street parking on Third Avenue. 

RSVP: Attendees must RSVP here.