Couric and Soechtig examine why, despite the increase in deaths at the hands of guns and the outpouring of shock and outrage that comes with it, our nation has failed to respond with meaningful action. What is keeping the two sides of this debate—those favoring stricter gun control laws and Second Amendment purists like the NRA—from finding common ground? Through the lens of gun rights advocates and families impacted by the mass shootings in Newtown, Aurora, Isla Vista and Tucson, as well as daily gun violence in Chicago, the film examines why our national politicians are refusing to act and what is being done at the state and local levels.
Stephanie Soechtig is an award-winning writer, producer, and documentary film director. Soechtig is known for her films, FED UP (a New York Times Critic’s Pick) and Tapped, which was her directorial debut and swept film festivals across the country picking up six awards for Best Documentary Feature.
Key facts explored in Under the Gun include:
· Gun violence is the second leading cause of death among children aged 10-19 in the U.S. (Source: Children’s Defense Fund — the first leading cause is unintentional injuries/accidents)
· 93% of Americans support requiring background checks for all gun buyers, including 84% of gun owners and 74% of NRA members. (Sources: Quinnipiac, 2015 and John Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, 2013)
· 90% of guns used in crimes can reportedly be traced back to just 5% of gun dealers. (Source: Brady Campaign)
· The manufacture and distribution of teddy bears is more tightly regulated for health and safety than handguns.
For more information on, Under the Gun, please visit: www.underthegunmovie.com
