According to its website, Teen Truth Live is North America’s premier student assembly experience aimed at discussing bullying and school violence, drugs and alcohol, and body image and self-esteem issues in schools.

Based in San Diego, Calif., Teen Truth Live has “the most unique issue-focused” assembly programs available through their award-winning, student-shot films that uncover “the real truth on the issues that students face but don’t talk about” and has motivational speakers across the nation.

Michael Sarich, tour manager of Teen Truth Live, said he and two other program speakers arrived on May 6 to speak in front of public school students from over 20 junior high and high schools on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

Sarich disclosed that it was right after the 1999 Columbine High School shooting in Colorado that director Erahm Christopher and producer JC Pohl expressed their desire to make a difference. They hand-selected five teenage students who were a given a camera to film how teenagers feel about being one. What resulted was a 22-minute film about bullying and school violence and before long, two more 22-minute films about drugs and alcohol and image and self-esteem were created “through the eyes of a teenager.”

“Never in a million years did they think that Teen Truth would grow to as big as it is,” said Sarich. “Everybody faces one or all three of these issues in some way, shape or form that’s why we feel it’s important.”

Sarich said this is the second year for PSS to bring the Teen Truth Live program to the islands. For this trip, Sarich was joined by the program’s co-founder and producer Pohl and another motivational speaker, Giselle Rodriguez.

Sarich said the response from students has been “overwhelming.” In fact, one student from Rota took it upon himself to make a difference in his community. “That’s what Teen Truth is all about-having the power to make a difference in either yourself or the community,” he added.

Sarich said their program includes follow-up mechanisms contained in a 35-page teacher’s resource book that encompasses activities for students and teachers.

“Most schools say that their entire culture has changed because of our program,” he said. “It kind of opened up everybody’s eyes, especially when it comes to bullying, that it makes everyone a lot happier now. People walk around now without that chip on their shoulder because they are so open and honest with everybody now.”

Sarich, who is a motivational speaker for the drugs and alcohol component of the program, stressed that students do not have to follow in the footsteps of family members with drinking or drug abuse problems.

“I always tell students when I’m up on stage, you have the power to do anything that you want in life. If you have a family member who does drink or does use drugs, you do not have to follow in their footsteps. You have the power to do anything that you want and you do not have to give in to what your surroundings have adapted to,” he added.

Sarich is hopeful that PSS will continue to bring Teen Truth to the islands. “We want to continue building this relationship with the CNMI.”

By: Clarissa V. David
Saipan Tribune

On April 27, 2012 TEEN TRUTH brought the first TEEN TRUTH: Film Festival to Rota Children’s Park in the CNMI and was attended by over one hundred people.  The very first movie, Cyber Bully, starring Emily Osment as the victim, was inspirational and touching to many of the viewers. It made us all think about how much cyber bullying really occurs on social media sites such as Facebook.

Ultimately, this first annual TEEN TRUTH Film Festival was huge success at Rota. The diverse selection of films presented in the festival made us laugh, cry think differently and be inspired to create positive change in our community.
 
The Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr./Sr. High would like to thank the PTSA (Parent Teacher, Student Association), Rota Municipal Council, and the individuals who contributed in one way or another. It was truly an unforgettable night.

by: Raenna Aldabe

For more information or to host your own TT: FILM FESTIVAL visit TeenTruthFilmFest.com

Here’s the latest from the TEEN TRUTH newsroom:

The festival was such a success that the school wants to bring it back EVERY YEAR!

Check out this enthusiastic email from a teacher:

“The festival was great! We had students, parents and staff members attend. The parents loved it! The kids who were there were talking about it Thursday at school and had great things to say – they were moved by it! My Activities Director LOVED it and considered it a success and really wants us to be able to do this again next year!”

We’re excited to see the momentum build around these terrific student-made films. CLICK HERE for a screening near you!

For Immediate Release – April 4, 2012

The TEEN TRUTH (TT) FILM FESTIVAL was developed to provide more youth the opportunity to be heard in order for audiences across the nation to be challenged by the filmmakers’ voice and empowered by their message. Using the same core principles that made TT successful, the TT: FILM FESTIVAL is focused on furthering the positive TT movement by featuring the artistic voices of the best student filmmakers from across the country.

This year the TT: FILM FESTIVAL has received films from across United States, United Kingdom and Australia. The selection process proved to be challenging as film programs big and small across the nation flexed their ability to produce quality content.

The TT: FILM FESTIVAL is a celebration of creative youth held in several states and provinces across the United States and Canada.

Selected Films

1. Undocumented and Unafraid
Directed by: Sherese Ifill – New York, NY

2. The Love Stache
Directed by: Fame Club – Tracy, CA

3. Write it Out
Directed by: Lauren Lindberg & Raymundo Archila – Danville, CA

4. My Daddy
Directed by: Olivia Jackson – San Diego, CA

5. Child Hunger
Directed by: Ryan Ghassemi, Matt Jewell & Nick Schmitz -
San Diego, CA

6. The Portrait
Directed by: Raymundo Archila – Oakland, CA

7. Daddy
Directed by: James Barker – Manteca, CA

8. College Essay Number One
Directed by Zachary Clarence – Boston, MA

9. My Muslim Eyes
Directed by Laela Omar & Loren Ruiz – Salt Lake City, UT

10. PG&E Academy
Directed by Jory Kusy – Stockton, CA

11. Cardboard
Directed by Tara Nicole Azarian – Davidson, NC

12. Even Handed
Directed by Samantha Highsmith – Salt Lake City, UT

Schools and Festival Dates

04.04.12 Jefferson School – Tracy, CA
04.04.12 Hinsdale Central High School – Hinsdale, IL
04.12.12 Venture Academy – Stockton, CA
04.15.12 MCCS Miramar Youth & Teen Center – San Diego, CA
04.20.12 Magnolia Science Academy – Reseda, CA
04.20.12 Robert F. Kennedy Community High School – NY
04.20.12 Poland Central School – Poland, NY
04.20.12 St. George’s School of Montreal – Montreal, QC
04.25.12 Valley Forge High School – Parma Heights, OH
04.27.12 Rota Junior High School – Rota, MP
04.30.12 Bayside High School – Flushing, NY
05.04.12 Monte Vista Middle School – Tracy, CA
05.04.12 Covington Middle School – Austin, TX
05.08.12 Spring Creek High School – Spring Creek, NV
05.10.12 La Mesa Middle School – Santa Clarita, CA
05.10.12 Mother Teresa Catholic High School – Ottawa, ON
05.10.12 Travis Middle School – Amarillo, TX
05.18.12 Silverland Middle School – Fernley, NV
05.25.12 Rancho – Starbuck Intermediate School (Parents) Whittier, CA
05.29.12 Coldspring-Oakhurst High School – Coldspring, TX
06.04.12 Marshall Middle School – San Diego, CA
TBD Children First Academy – Phoenix, AZONTARIO

About TEEN TRUTH

TEEN TRUTH is owned and operated by Horizon Intertainment, LLC a Texas based
company that has been in operation since 1999 focusing on the development of
innovative products and services for the entertainment and educational
markets.

www.TeenTruth.net

Press Inquiries:
Shane Williamson
Director, TEEN TRUTH FILM FESTIVAL
818.237.5082
shane@teentruthlive.com
teentruthlive.com/filmfest

BUY IT!

Here’s the latest from the TEEN TRUTH newsroom…

Our online community of TT TRIBE MEMBERS is growing by the day! We recently passed 37,000 fans and we’re adding to our ranks with each new school we visit. See what teens, parents, teachers and administrators are saying about the power of TEEN TRUTH LIVE. Join the movement!

www.facebook.com/teentruth

Be sure to check out our limited edition poster for all festival dates and locations! For more information or to host your own TT: FILM FESTIVAL visit TeenTruthFilmFest.com

For more information or to host your own TT: FILM FESTIVAL visit TeenTruthFilmFest.com

If you’d like to screen this year’s FILM FESTIVAL at your school, contact us at info@teentruthlive.com as soon as possible. The festival begins in April and this special offer will only be available through Spring!