For Immediate Release…

Toronto, CANADA - Victims of bullying aren’t the only ones who suffer, as revealed in a new documentary by first time documentary filmmaker Sunnie McFadden-Curtis.  “Bullying: A Culture of Silence,” a candid and poignant new documentary, profiles the profound and lasting consequences that bullying can have on the victims, their families and friends, the bystanders, as well as the bullies themselves.   Over three years of research and interviews has netted McFadden-Curtis a unique, first hand look into the destructive culture of long-term bullying, and the rationale behind the silence that surrounds it.  Inspired by personal experience, her documentary, “Bullying: A Culture of Silence” aims to spark discussion into the cause of this silence, and offers tools to educate and assist families who are embroiled in these devastating situations.

“While the topic of bullying isn’t a new one, the problem continues to be pervasive and systemic in our schools and our society,” says director Sunnie McFadden-Curtis.  “I started this project with my son, and in making this documentary, our goal was to present a more personal approach to this troubling epidemic and to empower victims of this destructive behaviour.”  McFadden-Curtis delves deep into the culture, talking to experts from the legal, medical, and law enforcement fields who offer startling accounts and first hand knowledge, and in addition, presents touching and emotional interviews with victims and their families. 

Says McFadden-Curtis, “while schools continue to deal with bullying, this documentary will give educators, victims and their families concrete solutions to pro-actively tackle the problem head on, and will facilitate an ongoing dialogue between all the players.”

As a new filmmaker, Sunnie McFadden-Curtis, brings over twenty years experience in the film and television industry to this documentary project.  With her experience in front of the camera as an actor, she brings insight and sensitivity to her directing skills, enabling her to make her subjects feel at ease.  The documentary was recently screened at the 2008 ReelWorld Film Festival and garnered a nomination in the category of ‘Outstanding Canadian Documentary’.  The emerging documentary filmmaker continues to push the boundaries of her craft, by exploring new avenues for creative development.