Five mothers’ yearslong fight to open a specialized public school for New York City children with dyslexia is featured in a new documentary playing at the Quad Cinema near Union Square through Thursday.

“Left Behind” follows the advocacy that resulted in the South Bronx Literacy Academy's creation.

“It's a triumphant story,” said director Anna Toomey. “You can see the pain that not only these women have gone through but other families, and you see their determination and perseverance.”

The film captures the moms strategizing around kitchen tables, arming themselves with research about the risks their children and other dyslexic students face – from higher dropout rates to higher incarceration rates. They also discuss the possibilities: When children with dyslexia are given the right kind of instruction and support, they can thrive. They draw up plans for a pilot program and inject themselves into the 2021 mayoral race – calling on candidates to make a pledge to improve literacy.

“For me to own up to the fact that the public school system that I completely embrace, advocate for and fight for is not built for my son, it’s like a breakup,” said Naomi Peña, an education activist and one of the mothers featured in the documentary.

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