On the heels of two tremendously successful film festivals complete with audience standing ovations, the emotionally-stirring, controversial film «Love Is All You Need?» will make its Southern California debut at the Newport Beach Film Festival on Friday, April 22.
Based on the sensational short of the same name, which received global media attention and tens of millions of views, Love Is All You Need? tackles the issues of bullying and prejudice head-on. The film captures the realities of the misuse of religion to promote hate in a world where gay is straight, straight is gay, and heterophobia is prevalent. Filmmaker K. Rocco Shields crafted this movie to enable audiences to experience empathy for victims of persecution, rather than just sympathy. The star-studded cast includes Briana Evigan (Step Up Series), Tyler Blackburn (Pretty Little Liars), Emily Osment (Young & Hungry), Jeremy Sisto (Suburgatory), Elisabeth Röhm (American Hustle, Joy) and Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty).
Audiences are praising the film for accurately exposing the realities of bullying, providing valuable perspective, and initiating much-needed conversations, with feedback including:
«This is going to change so many people’s perspectives in such a great way».
«I genuinely think it needs to be seen by the entire world».
«It should be used as part of the curriculum in middle schools and high schools. In fact, it sparked me to contact my local reps at the school district».
Earlier this month, lawmakers in Mississippi and North Carolina passed legislation that will allow individuals and businesses to refuse services based on religious beliefs. Love is All You Need? references real bullying experiences by including the devastating true stories of individuals such as Matthew Shephard, an LGBT youth who was beaten, tortured and left to die for being gay. Shields even addresses the Westboro Baptist Church directly by using sermons written by leader Fred Phelps himself.
Every year over 3.2 million students are victims of bullying, with a staggering 45% of 13-18 year-olds having experienced bullying by the age of 18 and an even more alarming 10% of bullied teenagers attempting suicide. Love Is All You Need? has been praised by both parents and children alike for its call-to-action to bring awareness to bullying and anti-discriminatory behaviour. To make a further impact, 5% of the film’s profits will be donated to anti-bullying non-profit organisations.
Love Is All You Need? will make its SoCal debut at the Newport Beach Film Festival on Friday, April 22. The film will also have an encore screening on Thursday, April 28. Tickets for both screenings are available at www.newportbeachfilmfest.com.
