Golden Rule Films

~ Social change documentary project examining the roots of bullying and violent behavior ~

Inspired by the work of Dr. Herbert E. Thomas and his book, "The Shame Response to Rejection," REJECT documentary is a project created by his daughter Ruth Thomas Suh that offers a science-based and solution-oriented look at the roots of bullying.  Alongside interviews with leading experts in psychology, neuroscience, education and juvenile justice, the film weaves two personal stories that take profoundly different paths.

“For many years, I heard my father speak of 'the shame response to rejection' that can result from experiences of interpersonal rejection and cause a person to experience actual physical pain. This pain can lead to intense anger, or even violence.”  — Ruth Thomas Suh

Follow-up BELONGING (2025) revisits Miss Varnell’s classroom and continues REJECT’s message: the need for belonging and acceptance is universal. 

Contact info@RejectFilm.com or BelongInSchool@gmail.com