Let's Get Real

Opens up dialogue about name-calling, bullying and bias among middle school aged students—told entirely from a youth perspective.
by
Year Released
2004
Film Length(s)
35 mins
Closed captioning available
Remote video URL

Introduction

Name-calling and bullying have reached epidemic proportions in schools today. Let's Get Real gives young people the chance to speak up in their own words about the real issues behind the problem.

Featured review

Let's Get Real is simple, honest and oh so effective... This can't-miss discussion starter is highly recommended for both school and public libraries.
American Library Association
American Library Association

Synopsis

With amazing courage and candor, students discuss racial differences, perceived sexual orientation, disabilities, religious differences, sexual harassment and more. From the youth who are targeted, to the students who pick on them, to those who find the courage to intervene, Let's Get Real examines bullying from the full range of perspectives. This poignant film educates audiences of all ages about why we can no longer accept name-calling and bullying as just a normal rite of passage. Let's Get Real is now widely used to jumpstart violence prevention and multicultural educational programs throughout the United States, and all over the world. It's also a must-see for any adults who work with young adolescents.

Reviews

I have used Let's Get Real for years in my graduate class for aspiring school and career counselors. I actually wore one out and purchased another! While I have been on numerous task forces on developing anti-bullying policies in schools and school districts, the focus is almost exclusively on adult behaviors. These important efforts are a good start, but none have the impact of Let's Get Real.
Guy Alba
Adjunct Professor, Providence College—School of Professional Studies
Anyone who has recently been inside a middle school will likely recognize his or her own school in this dead-on discussion of bullying and name-calling. ...excellent, timely.
David Bilmes
School Library Journal
Riveting...[the student voices] are impossible to ignore.
Joan Ryan
San Francisco Chronicle
Our adults are learning as much as our kids from your films! This terrific film works for all age groups!
Amy Cheney
Librarian/Advocate, Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center
Let's Get Real should be required viewing for anyone interested in providing safe schools for young people.
Jerry Newberry
M.Ed., Executive Director, National Education Association, Health Information Network
Let's Get Real has been a very effective part of our district-wide initiative for all schools - elementary through high school - designed to prevent discrimination and protect student safety.
Dr. Rob Kessler
Superintendent of San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Let's Get Real is by far the best video I have ever seen about bullying. The articulate voices of the young people, the imaginative visuals, and the clear organization combine to make a teaching tool of great impact and vision.
Stan Davis
Bullying-Prevention Consultant, StopBullyingNow.com
...a remarkably candid documentary about sexual harassment, name-calling, and bullying that features no re-enactments or adults, just a wide variety of sound bites and interviews with real middle, junior, and high school students.
Video Librarian
Video Librarian
Let's Get Real is an extremely well-made video...It goes beyond similar efforts, because it talks to youths who bully, drawing out their explanations and what it would take to make them stop.
Youth Today
The Newspaper on Youth Work
Let's Get Real is a moving and powerful film that shows why we must not accept bullying as a rite of passage for our youth. The film is an indispensable training resource for educators and concerned adults who want to stop the cycle of violence both inside and outside the classroom.
Ellen Hofheimer Bettmann
Director of Training and Resources, Anti-Defamation League
Let's Get Real is unlike any other film I've seen on bullying. It presents an unflinching look at what has become an epidemic in our schools. These kids break your heart with their courage and honesty.
Dr. Irvin Howard Past President
California League of Middle Schools
Let's Get Real is another powerful example of the value of kids teaching kids. The video and guide take the subject of bullying by the throat and gives it a good, hard shake. The comprehensive curriculum guide is usable and insightful.
Parents' Choice Foundation
Parents' Choice Foundation
Bullying is most typically discussed in terms of physical violence, but the mental and emotional consequences can be far more pervasive and just as damaging. Let's Get Real lets students know they are not alone, no matter if they are the victim, perpetrator or bystander. I highly recommend this timely and important film.
Michael Faenza
MSSW, President and CEO, National Mental Health Association
Let me cut to the chase... Let's Get Real is a must-see film for not only the middle school kids in your life, but for everyone who is working with youth in and out of the classroom.
Erica Marcus
San Francisco Bay Times
I have viewed Let's Get Real, and I really like it a lot. We are using it with our staff, students and parents as part of our bullying-prevention program at our school. This is an excellent resource.
Jill Boyd
Teacher, John Bullen Middle School, Kenosha, Wisconsin
I saw a sharp decrease in disciplinary referrals when we started using Let's Get Real.
Josh Thayer
Guidance Counselor, Spokane, Washington Public Schools
I showed Let's Get Real to my students, many of whom do not want to have these conversations and have a hard time sitting still. They were riveted. The discussion afterward was profound.
Kim Carter
Director, Monadnock Community Connections School, Keene, New Hampshire
What a great video! The kids loved it! They said they were finally given something on this topic that was real instead of scenarios.
Susan Sarabasha
Teacher, Boynton Middle School, Ithaca, New York
Keep making these wonderful films. I believe Let's Get Real will spark many interesting conversations about bullying with our students.
Joan Martin
Director, Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences, Santa Monica, California
Thank you so much for highlighting the problem [of name-calling and bullying]. Maybe if we are more proactive, we can keep things like Columbine from happening again.
Anne Cawood
Parent, San Leandro, California

Awards and Screenings

Columbine Award, Best Short Documentary, Moondance International Film Festival
Best Documentary, Danville International Children's Film Festival
Notable Children's Video, American Library Association
Parents' Choice Foundation Silver Medal
Honor Award, Skipping Stones Film Festival
Certificate of Merit, Rochester International Film Festival
Finalist, Best Short Documentary, International Family Film Festival

Features and Languages

Film Features

  • Closed Captioning
  • Director's Commentary
  • DVD Extras
  • Resources for Educators

Subtitle/Caption Languages

  • Spanish

Promotional Material

Promotional Stills

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