If you’re looking for a thought-provoking educational activity to keep your kids engaged this summer, the MPI Original short 2081 offers an engaging adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s classic short story Harrison Bergeron.

Set in a dystopian future where the 212th Amendment to the Constitution has made everyone “finally equal,” 2081 imagines a society in which strength, beauty, and intelligence are treated as unfair advantages. The strong wear weights, the beautiful wear masks, and the intelligent are forced to wear devices that interrupt their thoughts. At the center of the story is Harrison Bergeron, portrayed by Armie Hammer, whose act of defiance challenges a government determined to suppress individuality and independent thought.

More than an entertaining film, 2081 is also a valuable educational resource. MPI has developed free companion materials, including lesson plans and classroom videos that explore themes such as equality, resistance, artistic expression under oppression, and individual liberty. Designed for parents, educators, and students, these resources help continue the conversation long after the credits roll.

Narrated by Academy Award nominee Patricia Clarkson and featuring an original score performed by the Kronos Quartet, 2081 has introduced thousands of students to Vonnegut’s enduring story and continues to inspire discussions about freedom, conformity, and the importance of individual expression.

Watch 2081 and explore the free educational materials at thempi.org/2081.