When she brought up the idea, I just instantly said yes. Velasquez: I am the type of person that when I have a gut feeling about something, I usually trust it and that is exactly what happened with Sara. Why did you agree to do this documentary as opposed to all of the other offers? “A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story” bowed in theaters Sept. Nevertheless, Bordo said that it was important to show the crude language and tragic stories that motivated the Safe Schools Improvement Act, which Velasquez lobbies for in the film. Velasquez told Variety that she had been approached with numerous movie and reality television offers over the years, but agreed to collaborate with first-time filmmaker Sara Hirsh Bordo and her Women Rising production banner. The documentary was ultimately given a PG-13 rating that limits its younger target audience. After recording her moving TED Talk, which received millions of views online, the 26-year-old is showing her journey of great adversity on the big screen with the documentary “A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story.” Lizzie Velasquez was thrust in the spotlight at 17 years old when a YouTube video labeled her the “world’s ugliest woman.” Velasquez, who was diagnosed with a rare syndrome that prevents her from gaining weight, has since become an accomplished author, motivational speaker, anti-bullying activist and (positive) YouTube sensation.

A brave heart the lizzie