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A Brave Heart

The Lizzie Velasquez Story

A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story (2015) is not yet rated and has a run time of 78 minutes. This film screened at the Festival Saturday November 7, doors at 6:15 (view full festival schedule). Audio description by VSA Texas. A Brave Heart and Saturday night's program were co-hosted by:

We were thrilled that Lizzie Velasquez joined us in person November 7 for a Q&A following the film! Plus, check out Cinema Touching Disability's exclusive interview with Lizzie!

A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story is a documentary following the inspiring journey of 26 year old, 58 pound Lizzie from cyber-bullying victim to anti-bullying activist.

Born with a rare syndrome that prevents her from gaining weight, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Velasquez was first bullied as a child in school for looking different. Then, as a teenager, she discovered a YouTube video labeling her "The World's Ugliest Woman.

The film chronicles unheard stories and details of Lizzie’s physical and emotional journey up to her multi-million viewed TEDx talk (above), and follows her pursuit from a motivational speaker to Capitol Hill as she lobbies for the first federal anti-bullying bill.

Awards and Recognition for A Brave Heart:

• SXSW Film Festival Documentary Feature Spotlight: Audience Award (2015)
• Newport Beach Film Festival: Audience Award, Documentary (2015)
• Illuminate Film Festival: Audience Award (2015)
• Justice Film Festival: Best Feature Film (2015)
• Lower East Side Film Festival: Audience Award, Documentary (2015)

View the trailer below.

Further Reading

• A Brave Heart website
• Lizzie Interviewed on NPR's Weekend Edition

A film by