New Family Film "How to Beat a Bully" to Screen as Holiday Event for Veterans & Families

Los Angeles, CA.  A new family film, 'How to Beat a Bully," will be screened for Veterans of the Greater Los Angeles area and their families on Sunday, December 13^th at the VA in West Los Angeles.

The 83-minute film is a "Home Alone" type comedy with an anti-bullying theme. So many stories of bullying are distressing, upsetting or sad, the filmmakers wanted to create a story that is fun and entertaining and, in a positive way, share the message to help stop bullying. 

The evening will include a Q & A with the screenwriters, Marilyn Anderson & Richard Rossner. Anderson is also an Executive Producer of the film.  The event was arranged by Chaplain Dov Cohen of the Veterans Administration and holiday refreshments will be served. Since it is the 8^th night of Hanukah, guests can expect to enjoy potato latkes as part of the fun.

The story revolves around a 12-year-old boy who moves to a new town and gets picked on by school bullies. In order to protect himself, he fibs to the bullies that his dad is a hit man for the mob!  After that, the bullies become his BFFs, but when the rumor spreads to real mobsters, they think the dad is horning in on their territory.  They capture the dad, and the boy and his friends have to save the day and his dad! The kids end up becoming town heroes and ultimately learn, "It's better to be friends than bullies."

The film was awarded the Dove Seal of Recommendation for families, ages 12 and up, although younger children and adults will enjoy it, too. Educators and Psychologists agree that humor can be a positive and effective way to connect with both children and adults on this serious subject.

The filmmakers are excited about the movie's release. "We know watching the film will be fun for all but more than that, it can be a shared experience that opens up a discussion on the subject.  What better way to begin a conversation than with something that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike – and get them in a mood to feel good and embrace each other's individuality and differences."

"How to Beat a Bully" has a theme about stopping bullying as well as a relatable family that has to overcome moving to a new town and assimilating with new neighbors, a new house and a young son having to make new friends and fend off bullies.  Members of the military can relate to these issues, since they frequently move to different areas and often have to relocate their families, too.

"How to Beat a Bully" Screenwriters Anderson & Rossner say they love making people laugh.  But they are happy that this film is also an opportunity to get the word out on the topic of bullying.

The new film was launched on Amazon Video and Google Play in October in honor of National Bullying Prevention Month and will later be available on iTunes, Hulu, Vudu and DVD.  In addition to traditional distribution, the producers plan to make the film available to anti-bullying organizations, schools, and churches for special screenings in order to promote a dialog that increases awareness and positive steps to put an end to bullying. 

Photos, interviews and other info available.

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