Kat Kramer’s Films to Premier Anti-Bullying Doc Teach Your Children Well 10/16

"Teach Your Children Well," a powerful new documentary about the growing problem of bullying in schools, has been selected to be screened as the next installment in Kat Kramer's Films That Change the World, in association with Sunset Gower Studios and NewFilmmakers Los Angeles on October 16 in Hollywood.

Through interviews with parents, teachers, students and experts, "Teach Your Children Well" explores the devastating effects of homophobia, bullying and school violence against young people who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT).
"The bullying issue is especially relevant, in light of several teen suicides in 2010 and the killing of Lawrence King," said Kramer, an actress and daughter of late producer/director Stanley Kramer. "So much bullying happens not just in schools, but on the Internet and in the workplace. I think it is the single most important social issue right now, because of the long-term impact it can have on one's life and self-esteem."

King, a 15-year-old gay student, was shot to death by fellow student Brandon McInerney at their school in Oxnard, California in 2008. The jury in McInerney's recent hate-crimes and murder trial was unable to reach a verdict, resulting in a mistrial being declared. The Ventura County District Attorney's Office has said that it will seek a retrial.

Narrated by multi-award-winning actress and comedienne Lily Tomlin, "Teach Your Children Well" seeks to promote tolerance toward LGBT kids. Tomlin agreed to participate in the documentary as a result of her own experiences and those of people she knows.

"I had a brother who was the object of tremendous harassment and intolerance, and he really suffered as a teenager, because of it," Tomlin added. "I'm proud to be a part of this film. I hope it will educate people to, as the title says, ‘teach your children well,' and maybe eradicate this kind of prejudice."
Among those appearing in the film is Wendy Walsh of Tehachapi, California, whose 13-year-old son, Seth, was one of four teenagers who committed suicide across the U.S. in 2010 as a result of repeated bullying.

"After Seth came out in the sixth grade, he was made fun of," Walsh said. "He was ridiculed. He was pushed into lockers, pushed to the ground, tripped. Seth's school did not care. I talked to the vice principal about my concerns. He said ‘Remind me next year.' Seth's death was an accumulation of events over years."
As a result of Seth's suicide, the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California (ACLU/SC) started the Seth Walsh Students' Rights project, with a goal of promoting safety and respect for all students. The project's director, ACLU/SC Deputy Executive Director James Gilliam, will co-host the screening of "Teach Your Children Well," along with Jon Imparato, director of the Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts & Education Program at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center.

Also appearing in "Teach Your Children Well" are Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA); Jay Smith, executive director of the Ventura County Rainbow Alliance; Judy Chiasson, Ph.D., diversity coordinator for the L.A. Unified School District; the Rev. Sunshine Daye of United Centers for Spiritual Living; actor/singer and drag performer Clinton Leupp (a.k.a. Miss Coco Peru) and others who have been victims of bullying, or have had experience working with such victims.
"I was terrified, going to school every day," Leupp said. "I lost my education because of it. I was relieved and thrilled that other people were finally talking about what I have been talking about for all these years."

Gary Takesian, who directed "Teach Your Children Well," said that although bullying affects many people, it is especially harmful to gay individuals, particularly when they are growing up.

"If you are bullied because of your race or ethnicity, you still have your family to lean on," Takesian said. "But if you are bullied because you are gay, and if your family is homophobic, you might have no one to turn to. We want this film to be a teaching tool in schools, churches and homes. Our goal is to change people's consciousness around homophobia and reduce violence against LGBT kids."

"Teach Your Children Well" was written and co-produced by Steven Roche, associate produced by Paul Belsito and John Machado, and executive produced by Robin Voss ("For the Bible Tells Me So").

Kat Kramer's Films That Change the World was founded in 2009 to highlight films that raise awareness about important social or environmental issues. Previous films in the series have included "Yentl," "The Cove" and "Elephants and Man: A Litany of Tragedy." NewFilmmakers Los Angeles, which is co-presenting "Teach Your Children Well," is a nonprofit organization that showcases innovative works by emerging filmmakers.

"Teach Your Children Well" will premiere at Sunset Gower Studios in Los Angeles on October 16. Admission is by invitation only. The documentary will also be screened at the Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival, November 11-13.

More information about "Teach Your Children Well" is available at www.teachyourchildrenwell-themovie.com.