10-year-old Calif. boy starts viral video campaign to stop bullying
(CBS News) - A 10-year-old San Gabriel, Calif. boy is trying to stop bullying in a viral way: He's released his own short movie on YouTube to help stop harassment in schools.
Gerry Orz, known by his nickname G, decided to produce, direct, write and star in his own anti-bullying film called "Day of Silence." He told CBS station KCBS in Los Angeles that the movie was inspired by his own childhood experiences with bullies.
"They called me bad names, stupid, fat, stuff like that. It felt horrible, very horrible," he said to KCBS.
"Day of Silence" follows efforts across the country to shine a light on the problem of bullying in schools. Recently, a documentary named "Bully" made headlines because it included profane language to show the reality of bulling, garnering it an initial R rating. The film has been re-edited and released with a PG -13 rating.
"It's actually the worst in elementary school because in high school and middle school they have less to tease about because they understand more," Orz said.
Orz asked his friends, brother and mothers to help out with his project. He also hired a production company to help make his vision a reality. He said that while he enjoys watching sword fights on film, those movies can't make a difference.
The young filmmaker hopes that the film can be distributed to schools everywhere. He's also encouraging people to join in the Day of Silence on Dec. 12, 2012, an annual event where students take a vow of silence to bring attention to the silencing aspect anti-LGBT bullying and harassment inflicts on those affected by it.
He may get his wish: He's been invited to screen his movie at the San Gabriel school board meeting where they will talk about distributing it to schools across the district. The Illinois state legislature has also shown interest in the film.
Next up on Orz list is hopefully meeting with President Barack Obama to see if he can help encourage the legalization of gay marriage so his mothers can marry.
To see Orz's film, watch the video below. (Warning: Some strong language.)
