MariaShriver.com
“October 11th was International Day of the Girl. Since I founded Women Rising, this United Nations-founded holiday has represented almost an adopted anniversary for us, as it is driven by an intention that we share and feel deeply: “to help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.”
LA Times
“Like its protagonist, the documentary "A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story" is small and sweet — and much stronger than you might expect.”
Bustle
“You probably know who Lizzie Velasquez is already, but if you don't, well, prepare to meet your newest role model. The 26-year-old just debuted her documentary “A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story” at the SXSW Festival, and boy, did it move everyone's hearts.”
IndieWire
“Lizzie Velasquez was born with a rare syndrome that prevents her from gaining weight along with other medical issues. She lived with this syndrome for 25 years undiagnosed. Her appearance found her withdrawing from other students, getting bullied and constantly stared at. The film, “A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velazquez Story,” directed by Sara Hirsh Bordo, follows Lizzie as she dedicates her life to being an anti-bullying activist after discovering millions of people all over the world were inspired by her story.”
Huffington Post
“This year’s South by Southwest Film Festival is loaded with big names, quirky projects and lots of potential breakout stars. Before everything kicks off on Friday, take note of these 28 movies — a list that includes everything from big studio comedies to a documentary about Tower Records. Stay weird, SXSW.”
Daily Dot
“When faced with bullying, the YouTube generation does what it knows best: turns the camera on and documents their struggles. That’s the genesis for A Brave Heart, a documentary that follows Lizzie Velasquez, a woman with a rare congenital disease that, among other symptoms, restricts her ability to accumulate body fat. Because of her condition, Velasquez has faced constant bullying, both online and off.”
Hollywood Reporter
“Women Rising strives to not only tell the stories of women and girls that need to be heard, but strives to tell stories of diversity and equality through the teams we unite and for experiences that honor the power of a moment," the outfit's CEO Sara Hirsh Bordo said in a statement. "We are honored to be working on The United State of Women Summit and are inspired to follow in the steps of Valerie Jarrett and Mrs. Michelle Obama, who champion the rights and equality of all women, reminding us all that every voice counts."
Hammer to Nail
“A Brave Heart is a tender and soulful film about a tender and soulful human being. It illuminates the early life of Lizzie, the awful moment that changed her life forever, and what she did after.”
The Hollywood Reporter
“A Texas woman with a rare medical condition becomes an anti-bullying spokesperson in this award-winning doc.”
IndieWire
Cinedigm Will Release ‘A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velásquez Story’ on September 25
People
“The documentary, directed by Sara Bordo, gives an inside look into how 26-year-old Velasquez emerged as an impactful, passionate activist after enduring the cruelty of online bullies.“
BBC
“A new film has just premiered at the South by South-west festival in Austen, Texas. 'A BRAVE HEART' is a documentary following the journey of Lizzie from cyber-bullying victim to anti-bullying activist.”
Mogul
“For one of us, our path was catalyzed when a female boss said that we “belonged more in an apron, than in an office.” And that day, Women Rising was born, to always remind women that inspire each other, rather than allow us to be threatened by each other.”
Women.com
“Women Rising is committed to a new kind of storytelling for women and girls. We create opportunities in real life and via film for women and girls to see themselves just a little more clearer and to activate their voice.”
Variety
“Considering the recent stories of sexual harassment in Silicon Valley and Hollywood as well as the recent decision by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsey DeVos to rescind recent guidelines on campus assault cases it’s hard to imagine a more appropriate time for “Protect Her” to debut. The documentary follows Alexis Jones, a motivational speaker who formed an organization to encourage student athletes to change the culture around sexual assault and the “locker room talk” mentality.”
Bustle
“But beyond standing in solidarity, how can we actually change rape culture — especially among student athletes like Turner, who are setting the example for other young men? Jones, founder of the project ProtectHer, has been trying to answer just that question for years. She's been touring the country for two years now, talking to young male athletes in high school and college about sexual assault and consent, one locker room at a time. She chooses to give her presentations in that space because she knows it is sacred to them; a place where they consider what it means to be a man, and a winner.”
The Washington Post
“A 26-year-old Texan, Lizzie Velasquez stands 5 feet 2 inches tall. She weighs a little more than 60 pounds. That’s because she suffers from a rare syndrome that keeps her from gaining weight. Throughout her life, her condition has made her a target for bullies, who once dubbed her the “world’s ugliest woman” on social media. But over the years, she said, she has used others’ negativity to “light my fire to keep me going.”"
IndieWire
“A Brave Heart” is Sara Hirsh Bordo’s film directorial debut. She has held senior roles at Paramount Pictures and MGM Studios as Co-Founder of NowLive and Producer of TEDxAustinWomen. In 2012, she attended The White House Champions for Change Summit, has been twice nominated for Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneur, and is a member of the Producer’s Guild New Media Council and Women’s Impact Network. (Press materials)”
Cosmopolitan
“Lizzie Velasquez, 26, who went viral as the "World's Ugliest Woman" at the age of 17, premiered her new documentary at SXSW, chronicling her decision to fight back with positivity.”
IndieWire
“But “A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story” threatens to melt even the grinchiest of hearts in its audience, sending us to thesaurus.com looking for alternatives to avoid overusing the word “inspiring.”