We Are Columbine
Nearly 20 years after one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history, four survivors return to Columbine High School to share their experiences and journeys toward healing.
Interview with Director Laura Farber
Watch We Are Columbine on Prime Video, iTunes and Vudu
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I was determined to make this film about the collective experience of the people who were at Columbine on 4/20/99 and not about the crime. I wanted it to be solely about the kids that went through it and we have been healing on our own, but also about how we have come together to help each other.
I wanted to follow-up on a very personal and tragic event and bridge the gap between outsiders and survivors through the stories of those that experienced it.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
This film is for anyone who has experienced trauma and can't believe how we can move through and beyond it.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Sometimes going back to the things that make us uncomfortable, is the key to our own healing. And just by talking about our challenges and sharing our stories, we are not alone and we can recover together.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The film went in true documentary style, evolving over the seven-year journey. I wasn't talking about my own experience at Columbine publicly until I shared it with my fellow alumni. I was surprised by the interviewees' feelings of fear, guilt, anger and their need for predictability and stability in their lives. We shared our instinct for always knowing where our exits were, should we need to remove ourselves from stressful situations. My friends' reactions and validations allowed me to admit to myself that I was also a trauma survivor. These discussions and admissions were the keys to my own recovery.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been positive, especially from the Columbine community. I'm looking forward to hearing more as the film is released.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not so much challenged... I'm grateful for the positive feedback and feeling validated for staying true to their stories and sensitive to those that are recovering.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Visibility. Would like to get more people to download on iTunes. Want more eyes on the film.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
It would be great to reach more journalists and critics to write about the film and help drive traffic to IMDb to rate the film.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want to reach trauma survivors of all kinds and to help them find ways to move through their own traumatic events.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
When we can't change the violence in our country, we can change how it affects us. Where do we go from here?
Would you like to add anything else?
This film also tries to foster and strengthen awareness surrounding mass shootings and how they are being recorded and reported.
Interview: April 2019
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
We Are Columbine
Nearly 20 years after one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history, four survivors return to Columbine High School to share their experiences and journeys toward healing.
Length: 1:18:09
Director: Laura Farber
Producer: Clare Deady, Josie Bode, Heidi Zersen, John Bosher, Chris Charles, Joseph Fitzgerald (EP & Cinematographer), Tom Weinberg (EP), Wes Van Der Voort (EP)
About the writer, director and producer:
LAURA FARBER is a documentary filmmaker best known for her ability to draw inspiration from the field as a freelance producer in Chicago. Her production experience spans a variety of networks, including MSNBC, TLC, The Weather Channel, Discovery Health, and History. In 2012, Farber launched Lioness Productions, where she is committed to telling character-driven stories on topics she’s passionate about. We Are Columbine is the first feature documentary by Lioness Productions and Farber's feature documentary directorial debut.
Looking for: journalists
Facebook: We Are Columbine
Twitter: @LionessProd
Instagram: @laurafarbs
Hashtags used: #wearecolumbinefilm #wearecolumbinedoc #wearecolumbine #nonotoriety
Website: wearecolumbinefilm.com
Other: IMDb
Made in association with: Lioness Productions presents In association with Channel Z A film by Laura Farmer
Funders: Self and Indiegogo and individual contributions
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Itunes & theatrical screenings listed here: www.wearecolumbinefilm.com/watch