We can hardly believe that SXSW 2015 is right around the corner, but before the hordes descend on Austin for beer, BBQ and the best in indie cinema, we’ve got a look at one of the unique offerings at the festival this year — the exclusive poster for the documentary “A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story.”
The young Lizzie Velasquez, a Texas woman, was born with a rare syndrome, and her experiences with extreme online bullying, led her to find a voice as a spokesperson and vocal anti-bullying activist. Her TEDx talk was the #1 viewed TEDWomen event of 2013, and the producers of that event, Women Rising, are behind this film as well which follows her journey to Capitol Hill as she works to lobby for a federal anti-bullying bill.
The poster is indeed striking, with a portrait of Lizzie juxtaposed with some of the hurtful and abusive words that were hurled her way online. It makes for a truly thought-provoking image and is a profound first look for a film taking on this insidious problem in online culture.
“A Brave Heart” is the directorial debut of TEDxAustin producer Sara Bordo, and features original music from singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. Keep an eye out for "A Brave Heart" during SXSW and check out the synopsis and poster below.
Born with a rare syndrome that prevents her from gaining weight, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Velasquez was first bullied as a child in school for looking different and, later online, as a teenager when she discovered a YouTube video labeling her "The World’s Ugliest Woman.” The film chronicles unheard stories and details of Lizzie’s physical and emotional journey up to her multi-million viewed TEDx talk, and follows her pursuit from a motivational speaker to Capitol Hill as she lobbies for the first federal anti-bullying bill.
