BEYOND THE CROSSFIRE is a documentary film produced by 45 11th grade students from HTHCV.

 

After the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre and losing one of own students to gun violence the 45 students were set on a mission to answer one question: What can we do to dramatically reduce the amount of gun violence in our country? 

 

Soon after they embarked in their research and exploration, they quickly realized how polarizing the topic of gun violence is, but how addressing its root causes can make a positive impact in reducing all acts of violence. They strived to write, film and produce an original documentary film that explored how we can prevent and reduce violence in the U.S. Students created their own Kickstarter Page to gain funds to purchase filming equipment to create their documentary.

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BTC did not focus on gun rights versus gun control because that issue tends to divide people, and HTHCV students were determined to bring people together.

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Instead, BTC focuses on common sense reforms to our schools mental health care structures, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness by instead discussing teen brain health, investment in innovative mentorship and after-school programs, and transform juvenile justice program that provide hope for teens.

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Our finished documentary film has been screened locally at Otay Ranch AMC Theatre, and the San Diego Latino Film Festival. It was also featured in the White House Film Festival. Those interested can purchase a DVD directly contacting High Tech High Chula Vista director Tim McNamara, or Nuvia Ruland.