NOW PLAYING • Inspired By True Events
Silence Is Not The Answer
This thought-provoking interfaith drama, inspired by real stories, follows Pakistani exchange student Maryam Ali (Aneesha Madhok) as she begins a new life at a Hermosa Beach High School. Proudly wearing her hijab, Maryam becomes the target of harassment from classmates—especially Scarlet Smith (Taylor Jabara), whose own buried trauma fuels her cruelty. Government teacher Bob Walker (Bill McAdams Jr.), still grieving his wife’s death in 9/11, harbors resentment toward Maryam for her faith, while his son Zack (Cedric Begley) forms an unexpected bond with her, igniting conflict at home.
The film shines a light on the bullying, prejudice, and quiet despair many students face across North America, urging us to ask: Are our schools truly safe and inclusive? By revealing the hidden struggles of its characters, it calls for unity, compassion, and a collective commitment to reshape our schools with love.
Festivals
“Bully High is an impactful film exposing controversial issues of bullying, prejudices, racism, harassment, and sexual orientation. Great craft by director Bill McAdams, Jr. and actors such as Aneesha Madhok, Joseph Baena, Monet Weir for wholeheartedly getting into their characters to portray this topic”
– Jigar Shah of Chicago South Asian Film Festival.
Bully High Press
- For more information & interview requests please contact: Michael Misetic
- [email protected]
- (773) 680-9023
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April 19, 2023 - DMagazine.com
Aledo’s Bill McAdams Found Healing by Going Back to High School -
April 15, 2023 - WeatherfordDemocrat.com
Aledo writer/director hopeful for his entry in USA Film Festival -
March 16, 2023 - VoyageDallas
Rising Stars: Meet Bill McAdams, Jr. -
January 8, 2023 - Medium.com
Bill McAdams Jr: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker -
December 28, 2022 – Pop-Culturalist
Joseph Baena Talks Bully High, Connecting with His Character and the Film’s Message, and More -
December 4, 2022 – The Illuminerdi
Bully High Sparks Conversation About the Harassment Muslim Girls Face at School -
November 10, 2022 – People.com
Joseph Baena Says 'Bully High' Made Him Reflect on Being Bullied as a Child for Being Overweight -
November 9, 2022 – Good Day LA
Important issues raised in Bully High -
October 19, 2022 – Fandomize
Aneesha Madhok stands behind the message of Bully High -
October 14, 2022 – Fandomize
Cedric Begley on the power of Bully High
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September 23, 2022 – NBC 5 Chicago
Bully High to Premiere at South Asian Film Festival in Chicago -
September 10, 2022 – ComingSoon.net
Interview: Bully High Director Bill McAdams Talks Powerful Drama -
August 14, 2022 - YouTube
Behind the Scenes with Abla Sofy -
July 25, 2022
Press Release -
May 19, 2021 - People Magazine
Arnold Schwarzenegger's Son Joseph Baena Wraps Filming His First Movie 'Bully High' -
Aug 4, 2022 - IssueWire
Bully High Movie is set to release in fall of 2022 -
June 7, 2019 - Daily Breeze
Independent film ‘Bully High’ tackles issues making headlines while filming in Hermosa Beach -
Jun 29, 2021 - Pinkvilla
Aneesha Madhok set to make Hollywood debut with Arnold Schwarzenegger's son in ‘Bully High’ -
June 28, 2021 - B4U Movies
Aneesha Madhok's Hollywood debut with Arnold Schwarzenegger's son in 'Bully High' -
May 19, 2021 - Yahoo Entertainment
Arnold Schwarzenegger's Son Joseph Baena Wraps Filming His First Movie Bully High




