Hi, I’m Sarah Beth.
I’m the director of “Between Lines” and this is my story: In 2005, I was a victim of schoolgirl bullying. I was a mere 13 years old at the time. One year I had friends, the next year I didn’t. When I started 7th grade, I was isolated. My best friends decided to turn on me and started excluding me, calling me names and terrorizing me over the internet and in person. It was a year of hell that I barely remember.. but my mother remembers all too well.
But then, in 8th grade - these same classmates turned around and decided to be my friends again - with no mention of the past year. I was too scared to say anything - but so happy to have my friends back - that I didn’t call them out or defend myself.
This experience has plagued me with trust issues, has exaggerated my perfectionism and people-pleasing qualities. It led me to choose new, toxic friendships that created fresh wounds.
...And none of this is unique to me. Anyone can be subject to this type of bullying, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, class or worldly location.
I want others out there to know they are not alone and to see their story validated through concrete visuals.
I want to pierce the viewers of this film with deep-rooted, gut-wrenching empathy. And I want people who have experienced this to know they are not alone.
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