Every American college student and their parents needs to see 4,000 Days. And, we feel confident about that argumnt after watching.
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The Mary Sue had the chance to talk to director Daniel E. Catullo and the family of Adam Oakes after his tragic death due to fraternity hazing. Tribeca film festival played host to 4,000 Days this year. It’s an emotional ride and harrowing. But, absolutely necessary for anyone who cares about young people headed off to college in the fall.
During our interview with the director, he explained why this story means so much to him. Mainly, because the story of Adam Oakes isn’t an isolated incident. Despite positive experiences on West Virginia’s University’s campus, Catullo couldn’t just stay silent.
He’s driven to raise awareness of hazing’s devastating effect on youth. And, he’s talked to numerous families who have found themselves grieving in its wake. To hear him discuss it, this problem feels like the most obvious thing in the world.
“I work with the school a lot. I was on the football team there, I’m a donor and I do a lot of stuff with the school,” Catullo explained. “[I] know the administration really well, I know the president really well.
He recalled, “Dateline was doing a story on hazing, and they featured a story. I remember watching it and it just weighed heavy on me because it was my school.”
4,000 Days raises awareness about hazing
After making an educational video about the dangers of hazing, the director’s earlier works went viral. But, something strange would follow!
“Other families started calling me. ‘My son got murdered.’ All of a sudden, it was like whack-a-mole and they were everywhere. And, I made two more films,” Catullo told us. “I started realizing this is a much bigger problem than we’re getting told because everybody was covering it up.”
“There are a lot of people with power and influence that don’t want the truth to come out,” the filmmaker admitted. “Fraternities have millions and millions of dollars in real estate. They’re big money machines and they don’t want to do anything to disrupt the culture.”
In our conversation, Catullo points to social media as a driving factor of how the problem has intensified. There’s no denying that the presence of these apps has complicated what’s going on.
“We know now, in today’s world you can’t just put 50 boys in a house alone together,” he told us. “Social media is just driving insane s***. They don’t really drink beer anymore. When I was in a fraternity, we drank beer. They’re just doing stuff that’s grossly irresponsible.”
“I’m hoping that alumni and parents see this and realize that they need to step up and let the nationals and universities know that this is not acceptable,” Catullo concluded. “We have to stop this, because kids are dying.”
(featured image: 10 Lives Studios)
