"[U]ltimate go-to film for educators, counselors, and youth advocates seeking inspiration, renewal." Sarah Hillyer, Ctr for Sport, Peace, & Society, UT-Knoxville

Recently screened as the opening film of the SXSW EDU Conference & Festival, Ultimate Citizens is a celebration of resilience and a vision of a more welcoming America. Developing a sense of belonging—so critical for all Middle School and Junior High children—is spectacularly illustrated as we see children blossom amidst the most difficult circumstances.

The film follows Jamshid Khajavi, a charismatic, fiery and funny Iranian American public school counselor, as he mentors the members of an Ultimate Frisbee team assembled from the immigrant and refugee students arriving at his inner-city school in Seattle, WA.

As their parents struggle to make a living and a home in a strange and often hostile new land, Jamshid helps his students cope with grief and loss while teaching conflict resolution in the classroom. Jamshid's efforts to build community where all kids can thrive are heroic, but it's the parents working low-paying jobs, and their first-generation American kids, who are the champions.

In a divided country, this unassuming and compassionate school counselor coaches an underdog team of kids on their way to compete in the world's largest mixed youth Ultimate tournament: Spring Reign.



Grade Level: 10 - 12, College, Adults
US Release Date: 2025     Copyright Date: 2024
DVD ISBN: 1-961192-36-5

Reviews "Imagine a documentary brimming with vibrant colors, where this very brightness captures the essence of the human spirit through stunning visuals...That's what Ultimate Citizens is." Mari Ghviniashvili, The Athletic Coup Film Festival "This film is for anyone who works with students. It is a rare opportunity to chronicle the work of what it means to be a true counselor, someone guiding students during awkward, difficult, and/or caring decisions. In Ultimate Citizens we see students become a community with Jamshid Khajavi's guidance. We witness the students that he helps change, but also the vulnerability that comes from counseling. This film serves as a how-to listen: not to what kids can't do because of complications, but by listening with care, concern, and commitment, students can achieve wonders." Kevin D. Cordi, Associate Professor of Education and Literacy, Ohio University Lancaster "In this moment, as systemic attacks on immigrants and refugees only accelerate, including attacks on young children throughout our nation's schools, Ultimate Citizens offers inspiration and hope to school counselors, educators, coaches, leaders, and anyone concerned about children and schools. In stark contrast to the rhetoric of those who wish to silence or erase differences, we witness the profoundly humanizing approach to school counseling and coaching by the intrepid Jamshid Khajavi, as well as the journeys, struggles, and successes of his students who reflect much diversity but nonetheless coalesce, play, and thrive." Kevin Kumashiro, Executive Director, Education Deans for Justice and Equity, Author, Surrendered: Why Progressives are Losing the Biggest Battles in Education "This is a powerful documentary that I hope will reach many diverse audiences. Ultimate Citizens skillfully documents a story of youth sports and education where success is defined by developing relationships, community building, and healing. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the restorative potential of youth sports." Michael Hemphill, Founder and Director, Restorative Youth Sports Lab, Professor of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina-Greensboro "Ultimate Citizen is the ultimate go-to film for educators, counselors, and youth advocates seeking inspiration, renewal, and a reminder of the power they hold. This deeply moving portrait of Jamshid Khajavi - a counselor who leads with empathy, resilience, and selfless dedication - transforms burnout into a firestorm of purpose. Working with kids - especially those facing trauma - is hard, heart-heavy work. This film shows what's possible when you meet that challenge with play, compassion, and relentless care." Sarah Hillyer, Founder and Director, Center for Sport, Peace, and Society, University of Tennessee-Knoxville "The kids' stories too often extend beyond poor or homeless poor. Sometimes they've come from a violent, war-torn, foreign place. Jamshid, seemingly here, there, and everywhere, communicating his ordinary superhero wisdom, grows his kids into ordinary 'Ultimate Citizens.'" Chuck Jaffee, Wild and Scenic Film Festival "In a time when immigrants are too often marginalized or vilified, Ultimate Citizens offers a much-needed counter-narrative. It shows how one man's resilience, empathy, and humor become a lifeline for students coping with grief, loss, and cultural dislocation. Jamshid doesn't just teach his students how to throw a disc; he models emotional intelligence and conflict resolution, turning every moment - on and off the field - into a lesson in life skills. This film is a vital watch for educators, parents, and anyone seeking meaningful ways to build community and teach emotional resilience in a fractured world." Dr. Flavia Ramos-Mattoussi, Senior Research Associate, Learning Systems Institute, Associate Director, Center for International Studies in Educational Research and Development, Florida State University "This is the story about an immigrant athlete who embodies love and care for his family and community. Audiences in schools, community centers, and our students learning to be educators and counselors will all learn about perseverance and endurance, of which sports are a magnificent example. Jamshid summarizes it well: We are community, calling on us all to love and care for others and to not give up new challenges even if they are as difficult as swimming across a cold lake. Inspiring!" Gonzalo Bacigalupe, Professor of Counseling, School Psychology, and Sport, University of Massachusetts "Ultimate Citizens is a powerful story of the inspirational support Jamshid Khajavi provides to youth dealing with hardships. Providing a glimpse into his own life, the documentary illustrates how ultimate frisbee is just one way in which Jamshid uplifts youth in his quest to build community." Mitchell McSweeney, Assistant Professor of Sport Management, University of Minnesota "It is impossible to watch this film without feeling a burst of much-needed hope and a desire to be a better person. With a gift for fostering resilience even in the most vulnerable children, Jamshid Khajavi is a model for teachers, administrators, and counselors. Each moment of this story is a beautiful illustration of culturally sustaining care in action. This film reminds us that every child is our collective responsibility, and it invites us to help young people realize their potential to thrive by honoring their stories, listening closely, and reminding them over and over that they are valued and loved." Sonia M. Rosen, Associate Director of Inquiry and Reflective Practice, Independent School Teaching Residency, University of Pennsylvania "They are refugees from war. They are homeless. Their parents work multiple jobs and still can't keep up with bills. They are champions...Ultimate Citizens reveals their struggles, growth and triumphs on and off the field." Nils Dahlgren, Seattle's Child "Ultimate Citizens showcases the power of sport and connection, transcending languages, cultures and hardship. The film tells these stories with compassion and intrigue. You are rooting for this coach and team to win a championship but also succeed in life's journey. Highly recommended." Emi FitzGerald Luk, Senior Director, Saatchi and Saatchi, Dallas Ultimate Association player/coach