West Point, CA…When filmmaker and award-winning writer, Lisa Michelle, of West Point, decided to bring her screenplay, Common Ground, to life, she knew that Calaveras County was the perfect location. The rural atmosphere and the children who reside in West Point, Wilseyville, and Rail Road Flat represented the authenticity in the story that Michelle wanted to tell. The supporting characters and extras were cast entirely from Calaveras County residents.

The multiple award-winning screenplay offers insight into the increasing hostilities and bullying in our schools through the perspective of the film’s main character, Jeremy, played by Gabrielle Hale. Hale has been nominated for several awards for his portrayal of the tormented second-grader.

“Common Ground suggests audiences be conscious of their preconceived notions based on what someone looks like or the clothes they wear. We all do it–not just kids,” says Pat Russell, one of the film’s producers.

According to bullyingstatistics.org, 77% of students experience bullying in some form: mental, verbal, or physical. Every seven minutes, a child gets bullied and the after effects can last a lifetime. When Common Ground’s film festival circuit concludes, Michelle plans to design an interactive program that parents, teachers and group leaders can use to educate children about bullying.

“Children model what they see. We need to support each other in making bullying an unacceptable behavior,” says Laurie Kubiac, a retired Amador County school teacher.

Common Ground will be showcased in the 2017 Sutter Creek International Film Festival shorts program and is nominated for Best Short Film. Michelle is up for several awards including Best Director.

“Everyone involved in this project was passionate about it. The talent and realism the kids brought to the film was impressive considering none of them had ever acted before they had a camera in their face. I hope that our community will support their hard work by filling the seats of the theater,” says Michelle.

Common Ground will screen at the Sutter Creek Theater in the Shorts Program at 1:30 pm on September 29th. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.suttercreekfilmfest.com or at the box office. Get tickets early as seating is limited.

For more information please contact LisaMichelle2020.com