RATS & BULLIES tells the powerful true story of a 14-year-old girl who hung herself with her dog’s leash after being bullied and threatened with death by three girls at her high school. Those three girls were named in the suicide note left behind. The incident sparked national outrage, fueled a groundbreaking investigation, which led to the precedent setting court case, where for the first time in North America, teens were made to stand trial for bullying.
RATS & BULLIES not only documents this compelling story, but it provides solutions to schools, teens, and parents on bullying prevention. The Film was Directed/Produced by Cassidy McMillan and Ray Buffer.
Movie Review: “RATS & BULLIES”
How can parents and schools convince young people to come forward when they are a victim of bullying even when kids feel no one can help? How do you convince a young person that cutting themselves or suicide is not a solution to bullying? How do we recognize and stop the despair caused by bullying and relational aggression before it emotionally damages and claims our children? (Read Entire Review)
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT “RATS & BULLIES”
“A Powerful Film” - KOCE (PBS)
“Intense” - Ryan S., age 14 (Washington Township Schools, New Jersey)
“A Very Important Work” - Rosalind Wiseman (NY Times Best-selling Author “Queen Bees & Wannabes” and CoFounder Empower Program, Washington D.C.)
“Compelling” - The Warren Reporter Newspaper
“I started tearing in the movie…she was only 14 when she died”- Patricia F., age 13 (Great Meadows Regional Middle School)
“RATS & BULLIES demonstrates that for girls, the social world is often their entire world”- George Lucas’ educational magazine “Edutopia”
“Through the lens of Dawn-Marie’s experience, the Film explores the secret world of teenage behavior, addressing violence as well as intimidation through less explicit means, such as rumor spreading, shunning and gossip” - The Huntington Beach Independent
“RATS & BULLIES is an important Film. It will encourage students to take personal responsibility not to engage in bullying”- Regional School District Superintendent Jason Bing(Great Meadows School District)
“I really liked this film. My favorite part was when the bullies got into trouble, but the one bully knows what she did was wrong and regrets it” - Carrie A., age 15 (Great Meadows Regional Middle School)
“Five out of five stars!” Teenspoint.org
“The Film had a powerful impact. Thank you for addressing what has become a very serious issue in our society.”
Tim Considine, Program Director at Fay Rotenberg School for the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps
“The film shows how badly people are affected when it comes to being bullied. When watching it you learn many lessons.”
Jaclyn (16 years old), student at Robert F. Kennedy Children Action Corps
“I think if a lot of kids watch the film, it will help people stop bullying.”
Denise (16 years old), student at Robert F. Kennedy Children Action Corps
“It’s a great example of how people are tremendously affected by someone else’s words about them. You have to love yourself despite anything else.”
Jasmyn (16 years old) student at Women In Progress, New Life Church, Florida
“I believe schools across the nation should watch this film, so they can see that this is a serious issue.”
Genise (17 years old) student at Women In Progress, New Life Church, FL
“The film was a great way to show that bullying doesn’t just hurt you or someone, but also the people around them.”
Ayniya (13 years old) student at Women in Progress, New Life Church, Florida
“Touching. Seeing the parts being broken down, how a girl hated being bullied so much…she came to an end.”
Carrie (14 years old) student at Great Meadows Middle School, New Jersey
Award Winning Documentary Film
“RATS & BULLIES”
FILM FESTIVALS:
RATS & BULLIES is now entering the Film Festival Circuit. To Request the Film be shown in your city, please contact your local Film Festival and request the Film be shown.
SCHOOL SHOWINGS/SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS:
Due to the overwhelming demand for RATS & BULLIESto be shown at High Schools, Middle Schools, Colleges, Youth Organizations, etc., from across the globe:
throughout the U.S.; Canada; Australia; United Kingdom; Holland; France; the Netherlands; South Africa and more…
the Director/Writer/Executive Producer of this powerful Film, Cassidy R. McMillan, who made the Film in order to try to prevent another young girl or boy from taking their life due to bullying… will continue to offer to show RATS & BULLIES to schools/organizations through the Filmmaker Appearance Series/Speaking Engagements Program. To contract a Showing of this groundbreaking Film along with a Question&Answer Session following with the Filmmaker, you can contact the Appearance Series Coordinator for
McMillan Media Filmworks, Brad Hawkes, at: RatsAndBullies@gmail.com
