CLEVELAND -- The documentary "Bully" is coming to Northeast Ohio, and now a local teacher is heading up a campaign to see it premiere in Cleveland.
Lakewood High School English teacher Chris Overholt says he knows all too well what it's like to be bullied.
When he was in 8th grade, Overholt says he was called names and in one of the most disturbing moments of his life -- he remembers bullies setting his locker on fire.
"I think shock for me was the day I went to my locker and they had sprayed it with hairspray and lit it on fire and had all sorts of libelous words on there," Overholt said. "That image of the locker and the words literally burning up in front of my eyes stayed with me."
The movie will show in theaters without a rating after the Motion Picture Association of America wanted to give it an "R" rating.
The reason? The amount of swearing in the movie.
Overholt agrees these words are harsh, but argues the unedited nature of the film adds to its message: Bullying is upsetting.
Overholt hopes by watching this movie, everyone -- especially the bullied and the bullies -- realize the profound impact this issue can have.
Lee Hirsh, director of "Bully," promised to premiere the film in the top 10 cities who have showed the most support.
To vote to have "Bully" shown in Cleveland, CLICK HERE.
The movie will open Friday, March 30 in limited release.
It will open in Northeast Ohio on April 20.
As for which local theaters will carry the film?
• The Cleveland Cinemas Cedar Lee location will have an exclusive engagement of "bully" starting on Friday, April 20. Children under 17 who wish to see it and are not accompanied by a parent/guardian will be admitted into the film with a signed permission slip, which they will have available on their website.
• Regal theaters says they will show the movie and treat it as if it had an "R" rating, allowing guests under 17 to see it with written permission from a parent or guardian.
• AMC Theaters are allowing guests younger than 17 to see the movie with a signed permission slip.
• Variety magazine reports Cinemark Theaters will not be showing the movie.
WKYC-TV