DIRECTORS STATEMENT

BULLY is a deeply personal film for me: I was bullied throughout middle school and much of my childhood. In many ways, those experiences and struggles helped shape my world view and the types of films I’ve endeavored to make.

I firmly believe that there is a need for an honest, gutsy film which gives voice to the kids who deal with such torments on a daily basis. Through this unflinching look, we will make a difference for other young people across our communities and improve our collective response to this crisis.

Moving away from the silence, shame and attitude of “kids will be kids,” I intend that this film not only reach those who have been the victims of bullying, but more importantly, those who still need an “empathy push.” Viewers will be left with a clear sense of how they can step into a bullying situation and make a positive impact.

Everyone has a story when it comes to bullying; what’s yours?

THE FILMMAKERS

LEE HIRSCH – Director/Producer/Cinematographer/Writer

Lee Hirsch’s debut film, AMANDLA! A REVOLUTION IN FOUR PART HARMONY, is a feature documentary chronicling the history of the South African anti-apartheid struggle through a celebration of its musical heroes. This film was released to wide acclaim, winning the Audience and Freedom of Expression Awards at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival. Among the many honors the film received were five Emmy nominations and a win. Lee Hirsch was born and raised on Long Island, New York, and attended the Putney School in Vermont and Hampshire College. He currently lives in Manhattan.

CYNTHIA LOWEN – Producer/Writer

Cynthia Lowen is an award-winning writer and recipient of the Discovery Prize. She is the coauthor of The Essential Guide to Bullying forthcoming from Alpha Books and her work has been published widely in journals including A Public Space, Best New Poets 2008, Boston Review, Provincetown Arts and Tin House, among others. She is also the producer of GOING HOME, a two-part documentary about teenage incarceration and recidivism. She lives in New York City.