Director Catherine Hardwicke, six-time Grammy winner Lady Gaga and seven-time Oscar nominee and Grammy Award winning songwriter Diane Warren have teamed up to release a campus sexual assault public service announcement (PSA) tied to the critically acclaimed documentary THE HUNTING GROUND.
Hardwicke (TWILIGHT, 13, MISS YOU ALREADY) directed the PSA, featuring the film’s original song “Til It Happens To You” written by Warren and Lady Gaga and performed by Lady Gaga.
The PSA reunites Hardwicke with TWILIGHT star Nikki Reed.
A portion of proceeds from the sale of the song will be donated to organizations helping survivors of sexual assault.
“After watching THE HUNTING GROUND, I was inspired by the survivors who had the courage to tell their stories,” said Warren. “This song, with its message of hope and empowerment, is my heartfelt tribute to them and will also resonate with anyone who has been bullied, lost a loved one or just feels alone in the world.”
Lady Gaga has been a vocal advocate on this issue. Earlier this year, she penned an op-ed with Governor Andrew Cuomo calling for the passage of New York State’s “Enough is Enough” bill, saying "We have a responsibility to the young men and women of this country to stand up against sexual violence everywhere. Everyone – from lawmakers and educators to advocates like Born This Way Foundation and the students themselves – need to join forces on this issue. Together, we must create the scaffolding necessary to foster the mental, emotional, and physical health of all young people."
The legislation included a uniform definition of affirmative consent as well as comprehensive procedures and guidelines for colleges. The bill was signed into law by the Governor in July.
Hardwicke was moved to create and direct the PSA after seeing THE HUNTING GROUND and feeling compelled to get involved. “I hope that this PSA, with its raw and truthful portrayals, will send a clear message that we need to support these courageous survivors and end this epidemic plaguing our college campuses.”
THE HUNTING GROUND, from Oscar nominated filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, was distributed by RADiUS, the boutique label of the Weinstein Company. After premiering at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, the film was released theatrically and has subsequently screened on hundreds of college campuses across the country. Currently available on iTunes and VOD, THE HUNTING GROUND is co-produced by CNN and will air on the network this fall.
