AUBURN, CA (MPG) - This documentary follows four teams of teenagers from around the world as they prepare for the 2020 FIRST® Robotics Competition. Audiences will get to know youth teams from California, Mexico and Japan as they work towards taking their unique designs to the highly competitive global championships.

Although they are faced with overcoming challenges along the way, such as having limited resources within their community or a world-wide pandemic, the kids persevere and learn that there is a lot more to the competition than just robots.

Sponsored by Arts Council of Placer County and presented free to the public in partnership with Auburn Arts Commission, this event takes place at Auburn’s School Park Preserve, 55 College Way in Auburn. Bring your chairs and a picnic, and come early to claim your spot.

The competition is more about life skills like problem-solving and communication than winning, and alliances and "coopertition" (cooperation and competition) are key components. School districts with a lot of resources are teamed with less privileged programs. The teens, including some who might not fit in well with other kids, find a healthy outlet for their passions, make friends, and support their communities by giving back with their STEM know-how. They often grow up to mentor teams themselves.

The documentary will begin at 8 p.m. on Saturday Aug. 29 and is expected to run for

1 hour and 29 min. Admission is free however donations are gratefully accepted.

Tickets are available at AuburnStateTheatre.org or or call 530-885-0156. You can acceess the trailer link at https://youtu.be/AjIISbARc20