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The True/False Film Festival will see it’s ninth year of operation this year when it showcases new films in its Columbus, Missouri home base between March 1st and 4th. The Festival, which features a wide range of films, many of which are fresh off tours at other Festivals like Sundance, Toronto and Berlin, has become recognized in recent years as a center for good film, good music and good fun.
One aspect that truly sets the True/False Film Festival apart from others like it, however, is The True Life Fund. Reaching its sixth year of highlighting documentary filmmakers and their pursuits, The True Life Fund selects a documentary of particular note, and channels fundraising efforts in the film’s direction. According to Truefalse.org, The True Life Fund was established in order “to demonstrate that documentaries can create change by offering tangible assistance to the real-life subjects of a new non-fiction film”. Each year, the Fund, which aims to raise money through donations from True/False festival-goers and the local community, partners with an organization that promises to match its donation amount. This year, The Bertha Foundation has pledged to match up to $15,000 in donations.
The documentary selected as the recipient of the True Life Fund this year is Bully, formerly known as The Bully Project. The film is directed and produced by Lee Hirsch, and addresses the persistent problem of bullying within the American school system by documenting real-life cases. Bully takes a hard-hitting look at this issue by talking to current victims, as well as the families of victims who have taken their own lives as a result of bullying. The money from the True Life Fund will go to three of the featured victims in the documentary: Alex, Kelby and Ja’Meya, as well as two families of deceased victims. The donations serve to honor and thank the participants and families for their involvement, and willingness to share stories so close to their hearts.
Check out the moving trailer for Bully below, and click here to visit the True Life Fund website.
