The Nomads

When school closures force a teacher to relocate to a North Philly high school, she uses rugby as a way to empower her disaffected students in this powerful drama based on a true story. Metal detectors and morning frisks are a rude awakening for English teacher Cassey "Mac" McNamara (Tika Sumpter, Southside with You). After a billion dollar budget deficit closes 20 schools in the Philadelphia School District, Mac takes on with pepper spray in hand a new role as an American History teacher at North Philly's Whitman High School. Even before she can lecture on the War of 1812, a fight in the cafeteria proves to be more enticing for her students and leaves her with an empty class. When she makes a surprising connection with a fellow transfer, science-now-math teacher Mark Nolin (Tate Donovan), over their shared passion for rugby, the two set out to create Whitman's first rugby team. Corralling the most vocal, at-risk, and troubled students into an organized team proves fruitless at first. But with perseverance and a few laughs Mac and Mark begin to see changes in the ragtag group of players until a tragic event threatens everything they've worked towards. Inspired by a true story, The Nomads captures the grit, love, and inherent underdog mentality that make Philadelphia a special place to call home.

• drama