Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me. Umm, FALSE. In fact our M8’s of the month, Matthew Backer and Drew Weston have collaborated on this short film to bring you the story of being bullied at school for being gay and the lasting, damaging effect it can have in your adult life.
Both accomplished and celebrated actors, Matthew and Drew wrote the screenplay based on Matthews own real-life experience and the wash of emotions he felt when he came face to face with his bully years later, who was now openly gay himself. The result, a rollercoaster ride of emotions as they navigate the storytelling of a delicate topic while wrapping it up in a comedy/horror genre.
DIE BULLY DIE is the film, directed by brothers Nick and Nathan Lacey, carefully crafting the LGBTQI+ narrative and superbly portrayed by Matthew and Drew. It premiers in the 2024 Sydney Film Festival, running in competition as part of the Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films.
Check out our chat with the talented duo below!
