Hazing and alcohol/substance misuse continue to be a serious threat to physical and mental health that impacts not only college students, but high school and even middle school students.
There have been alarming trends in recent times indicating an increase in violence, suicide, and other disturbing ramifications, BUT there are promising solutions.
The 2008 documentary feature HAZE has set a standard by which others are judged in approaching these subjects. With HAZE, the Gordie Center at the University of Virginia has done much to help improve the statistics over the years, but factors have arisen in contemporary society that demand re-investigation.
The original filmmakers behind HAZE, director Pete Schuermann and producer executive producer Nancy Theken, in association with the Gordie Center are initiating not simply a standalone documentary film, but a series of documentary programs intended for wide-spread distribution.
HAZED: Shattered Trust represents a pioneering effort by The Schuermann Collective and the Gordie Center to educate and empower individuals to combat hazing.
A-list actor Robin Wright joins the project.
By supporting this initiative, stakeholders contribute to a transformative project that not only raises awareness but also actively works toward the prevention of hazing in educational and athletic environments.
Below you can watch several minutes of the proof-of-concept. To view the entire preview, please contact gordiecenter@virgina.edu
“We tried to encompass a massive subject that has many, many complex components but at the same time have a human story at the heart. When the project continues to the next level, we will cover several more engaging personal stories, and also bring forth some of the many avenues towards effective change we’re seeing emerge. Interestingly, a good deal of our young people have strong ideas on the subject and those too will be explored much more.”
Pete Schuermann, Director
The proof-of-concept, a “preview” of the intended series content, touches on many of the themes that will be further explored in each episode, including:
Tragic stories of families who have been impacted by hazing will provide the emotional thread that grips the audience and weaves each episode together.
To view the entire preview, please contact gordiecenter@virgina.edu