A new documentary, "4000 Days," chronicles the decade-long effort of parents to advocate for federal hazing legislation following the deaths of their children. The film highlights the bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act and premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 10.
This documentary highlights the significant impact of parental advocacy in driving legislative change to address the persistent issue of college hazing, potentially influencing future safety measures and institutional accountability.
The documentary "4000 Days" chronicles the decade-long journey of parents who lost children to college hazing and subsequently dedicated themselves to advocating for federal legislation. The film, set to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 10, highlights the perseverance of families like the DeVercellys, who lost their son Gary Jr. in 2007 and tirelessly lobbied for change. The title, "4000 Days," signifies the time it took for the bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act to become law. Director Daniel E. Catullo III, who shifted his focus to hazing documentaries after a fraternity death at his alma mater, aims to expose the systemic issues and resistance faced by these families. The film also features the stories of the Oakes and Burch families, who have established foundations to educate about hazing dangers. The parents involved acknowledge the pain of reliving their loss but remain committed to preventing similar tragedies for other students and families.