We Are Columbine

I pray that making this documentary helps each and everyone of you. It was truly an insight on how one person's actions can having last affects. I want to thank each on of you for sharing your story. In today's world unfortunately we need to keep one eye open for quick exits. Love and prayers Jennifer

This documentary doesn't solely focus on the tragedy that happened April 20,1999 but instead on the lives of a few students that were freshman at the time and what their experiences were before, during, and after the shooting. It was a great perspective to see and I found it just as harrowing as the gory details of that day. I was a freshman in high school at the same time and I remember this day and seeing it all unfold on the news like it was yesterday. I would recommend this film. The only criticism I have is that the film maker didn't tell her story.

"We Are Columbine" takes us on a rollercoaster of emotions, and it's hard to find the right star rating for a documentary about such a tragic event. The film is okay, not outstanding, but it does offer a heartfelt look at the survivors of the Columbine High School shooting. The personal stories and interviews provide a humanizing perspective on the tragedy, which makes it worth watching.

However, it's frustrating that after tragedies like Columbine, the government often refuses to take action to prevent similar events, citing the Second Amendment. It's like they're hugging the Second Amendment tighter than a stuffed teddy bear, forgetting that lives are at stake. The lack of change has allowed other horrifying incidents like Robb, Sandy Hook, and Stoneman Douglas to happen. So, while "We Are Columbine" offers a window into the past, it's a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done to ensure such events are prevented in the future.

To everyone rating this movie low fail to miss the point about why they don't mention the shooters. This was movie was made by one of the survivors and her and everyone she interviewed didn't want to give the shooters the publicity. Every media outlet when they talk about the columbine shootings always focus on the gunmans and this movie was suppose to be different. This movie gets a 10/10 on my book because they talk give you their genuine take on that day and high school. I really recommend watching this if you want a take on what the survivors of Columbine felt before, during, and after that day.

I have been counseling survivors of all types of trauma for over 20 years. From the moment this film started I felt my heart fill up with emotion and I did not want it to end. Each of the survivors featured in this film told their story and explained very well the long term impact of trauma. Students and a teacher present during the shooting spoke about the importance of dealing with the loss, fear and grief that followed them for years. While their stories are painful and scary, there were many moments of hope and affirmation. I already recommended this film to some of my patients. Anyone who has suffered from survivors guilt, PTSD or unimaginable loss will find comfort in watching "We Are Columbine." By the end of the film I felt connected to each of the characters. This is a film that needs to be shown around the world to teachers, parents, survivors and family members with loved ones suffering from PTSD. Shari Botwin, LCSW and Author of "Thriving After Trauma: Stories of Living and Healing," (Rowman & Littlefield, November 8, 2019)