Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversEarly Black FridayAmazon USEarly Black Friday picks are worth checking nowAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to the story
DocumentaryTubeTRUE STORIES, ON SCREEN.
  1. DocumentaryTube
  2. The Screening Room
  3. Performing Arts

Performing Arts

The Spelling Competition

The Spelling Competition
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

This documentary was directed by Jeffrey Blitz in 2002. The film revolves around the Scripps National Spelling Bee held in 1999 where eight competitors are battling for the prize. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Documentary Feature.

Yana Gorskaya’s editing won the ACE Eddie award in the category of best documentary editing. This documentary also won the Emmy for Cultural and Artistic Programming while Jeffrey Blitz was nominated for the best director award.

This documentary was included in the IDA Top 25 Documentaries of all-time in 2007, by the members of the International Documentary Association, who ranked it at fourth place. The participants of the competition appear on the DVD cover and their names, from left to right, are Neil Kadakia, Emily Stagg, Ashley White, April DeGideo, Harry Altman, Angela Arenivar, Nupur Lala and Ted Brigham.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The winner of the first National Spelling Bee held in 1925, Frank Neuhauser, appears in the documentary as well.

Also popular on Amazon
Sale
The Original TAPPLE, The Fun & Fast-Paced Family Word Game | Perfect White Elephant and Christmas Gift for All Ages, Party Game Favorite
  • The Original and Authentic Version of the Sensational Party Game
  • Get ready for the award-winning fast-paced word game that gives family game night a rush of excitement as players compete to beat the timer!
  • HOW TO PLAY - Choose a card with a category, press the timer, and shout out words related to the category that start with a certain letter. Once the related word is announced, press the corresponding letter tab.
  • Take it on the go and great to play anywhere - the portable Tapple wheel stores all of the category cards for easy carry and storage.
  • PERFECT FOR ANY OCCASION: Whether it’s family game night, holidays, parties, birthdays, or casual get-togethers, this game brings people together for laughs, connection, and unforgettable moments year-round.
Also popular on Amazon
Bananagrams My First, Lowercase Letter Word Game for Ages 4+ | Combo-letter tiles build early spelling & phonics skills; word game for pre-readers and kids ages 4+
  • Build early literacy skills: My First Bananagrams is aphonics game that helps children learn letter recognition and spelling through playful, hands-on word building.
  • Fun for everyone: Designed for 1–4 players aged 4+ with no need to wait or take turns, making it a lively learning activity for families or classrooms.
  • Simple, replayable fun: Put down your pencils! No need to get that paper out! Bananagrams is easy to play and endlessly replayable, offering hours of fun.
  • Portable and travel-ready: Comes in a fun green banana pouch with 80 kid-proof letter tiles and 13 combo-letter tiles, so you can take your favorite spelling game anywhere – from playdates and sleepovers to roadtrips and getaways.
  • Interactive, screen-free fun: Keeps kids entertained and learning, without a need for screens or batteries. Perfect for focused, hands-on engagement.
Also popular on Amazon
Dr. Quest's Magical Adventure–Educational Board Game for Kids Ages 6-9 – Spelling & Grammar Learning Game for Early Elementary | 180 Questions | Screen-Free Homeschool & Family Game | 2-6 Players
  • ✨ PERFECT FOR AGES 6–9 (1st–3rd GRADE) Designed specifically for early elementary learners, this magical adventure board game helps kids build strong spelling, grammar, and vocabulary foundations. Ideal for children who are learning to read, write, and form full sentences — without feeling overwhelmed or bored.
  • 📚 LEARNING THAT FEELS LIKE AN ADVENTURE — NOT HOMEWORK With 180 thoughtfully designed language challenges, kids practice spelling, grammar, sentence building, and vocabulary through guided play. No worksheets. No drills. Just interactive storytelling and magical quests that keep kids engaged.
  • 🧙 FUN FAMILY GAME NIGHT (2–6 PLAYERS, 30–45 MINUTES) One player becomes the Wizard Host while others explore the board, answer challenges, and collect magical gems. Encourages teamwork, discussion, turn-taking, and confidence-building — perfect for family bonding and small groups.
  • 🏡 A HOMESCHOOL FAVORITE & SCREEN-FREE LEARNING TOOL Loved by homeschool families, this game reinforces core English skills while making learning exciting. Great for language arts centers, tutoring sessions, or at-home skill-building — all without screens.
  • CREATED BY EDUCATORS & BUILT TO LAST – Designed by teachers, loved by kids, and made with high-quality materials. A classroom‑tested educational game that families can enjoy again and again.
Also popular on Amazon
Sale
Hasbro Gaming Scrabble Board Game, Classic Word Games for Kids Ages 8 and Up, Fun Family Game for 2-4 Players, The Classic Crossword Game
  • CLASSIC CROSSWORD GAME: Get family and friends together for a fun game night with the Scrabble board game! Put letters together, build words, and earn the most points to win
  • WOODEN TILES AND RACKS: This edition of the Scrabble game features 100 wooden letter tiles and wooden tile racks. The textured gameboard helps tiles stay on the board
  • RACK UP THE POINTS: Scrabble letters are worth points, and premium squares on the gameboard multiply the score. Surprise opponents with 2-letter words, challenge their choices, and strategize to win
  • GAME FOR 2-4 PLAYERS: Go for classic Scrabble gameplay in a head-to-head face-off, or mix things up and play in teams. The game guide offers expert tips, and other ways to play this classic word game
  • FUN FAMILY GAME: Do you remember playing Scrabble when you were a kid? Introduce this fun game to your kids and grandkids! Connect over a classic board game and create memories for generations to come
Popular on Amazon
Junior Learning Spelligator - Phonics Word Building Game for Ages 5-9 | Includes 75 self-correcting color-coded letter tiles, rookie & expert modes to improve literacy and spelling skills
  • BUILD SPELLING SKILLS THROUGH PLAY: Hands-on word-building game that strengthens spelling, phonics, and reading while keeping learning fun and interactive.
  • SELF-CORRECTING DESIGN: Unique tile shapes let children check and correct their work independently, boosting confidence and promoting accurate spelling.
  • BOOSTS PHONEMIC AWARENESS: Encourages recognition of beginning, middle, and ending sounds while reinforcing letter-sound relationships for reading success.
  • COLOR-CODED TILES: Visual guides show letter types and spelling patterns, helping learners identify phonics rules and self-correct with ease.
  • TWO DIFFICULTY LEVELS: Rookie and Expert modes adapt to different abilities, supporting differentiated instruction and ongoing learning growth.

Watch more competition by clicking here.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply. Prices as of November 6, 2026 6:26 pm GMT+0530.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

About the author

How DocumentaryTube works.

More in Performing Arts

Say something about this film

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.