Indiegogo Campaign of the Week- Chub
CHUB is a coming of age story about an overweight 13 year-old boy, Chub, who lives a life of isolation that revolves around his obsessions with food. Despite his size, Chub’s pretty invisible in a crowd, which is just the way he likes it… under the radar at school. But everything changes when the school bully, Vic, steals Chub’s bike and targets him as his next victim. In the plight to get his bike back, Chub forms an unlikely friendship with the school rebel, Steph—who’s own reputation was ruined by Vic and a sex photo gone viral—setting him on a course that will transform his life forever. This is a story about friendship, compassion and finding the courage to speak your truth. It’s about the difference it can make if just one person believes in you, and you learn to believe in yourself.
CHUB is a little movie that deals with big issues.
Bullying has received a significant amount of attention following a number of high-profile school shootings, incidents of violence and bully-related suicides. A recent national survey reports that an estimated 30% of teens in the United States (over 6 million) are estimated to be involved in school bullying as either a bully, a target of teen bullying, or both. The American Justice Department bullying suicide statistics show that one out of every 4 kids will be bullied sometime throughout their adolescence.
And the impact of bullying extends far beyond the schoolhouse doors. In today’s technologically advanced and hyper-connected society, the harassment continues at home through cyber bullying and text. A single vicious Facebook post or pic can go viral and destroy a kid’s reputation (like our character, Steph) in a matter of minutes. For a kid who is being targeted, it’s virtually impossible to escape the terror without further ostracizing oneself.
Another important topic highlighted in CHUB is childhood obesity. According to the Center for Disease Control, the percentage of young Americans who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. Obese children are more likely to have increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and a slew of other diseases and psychological problems. This means that our children are literally killing themselves with food.
But the causes of obesity are complex, including genetic, biological, behavioral and cultural factors. Often, the solution is not as simple as dieting and exercise. Weight issues are emotionally layered, especially when food becomes a primary coping mechanism to stuff down uncomfortable emotions, much like it has for Chub.
Although we are not looking to provide solutions to these complex issues in a 25-minute short, CHUB will certainly shed light on these important topics. Our goal is to make a little movie with a big impact. As filmmakers, we feel that the best way to bring awareness to these serious issues is by experiencing it through story.
At its core, CHUB is a story of acceptance and compassion. Through their unlikely friendship, Chub and Steph are able to find a common ground. As their compassion for each other grows, the teens are finally able to confront and triumph over their greatest fears and obstacles.
Ending bullying is a mission rooted in common experience. Everyone can relate to feeling powerless over a situation at some point in life. Our hope is that CHUB will inspire people to think about the difference they can make if they are willing to set aside their perceived differences and reach out, especially to someone they may have previously judged. A small act of kindness can truly create miracles.
