If you don’t yet know the films of Groundspark’s Respect for All project, you really should—and now you can do so for free. Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Debra Chasnoff and her team have created a lauded series for students and educators about family inclusion, gender stereotypes, and bullying. In response to the recent media attention about bullying-related suicides, they are now offering the films for free one-time streaming, and for 10 percent off the regular price if you choose to buy them for your school or other organization. Each film also comes with a comprehensive curriculum guide. (See their Web site for details.)
The film most specific to bullying is Let’s Get Real, about middle school name-calling, bullying, and bias—but all of them convey lessons of acceptance and inclusion that can help address some of the issues behind bullying.
I interviewed Chasnoff last year about her most recent Respect for All film, Straightlaced—How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up. Some readers might also recognize Chasnoff’s name from Choosing Children, the groundbreaking 1985 documentary about the first wave of lesbians choosing to become parents after coming out. Here’s what she said to me about that film.
Below, please enjoy (and share!) a “spark” from Groundspark so you can sample, stream, and purchase the films.