In an age where the media often prioritizes spectacle over substance, Washington J. Calvache Durand is driven by purpose-driven storytelling. The filmmaker’s latest triumph, “The Weight of Bullying,” recently won awards at the LA Film Awards, a popular independent film festival, proving that socially conscious filmmaking is having a moment.
Delving into the emotional and societal toll of bullying, this documentary has resonated globally, winning a Suncoast Emmy Award for Best Inspirational Short Film and awards at several international festivals. But for Calvache Durand, recognition is only part of the story.
A Film That Sparks Reflection: The premise of The Weight of Bullying
At its core, “The Weight of Bullying” transcends the typical narrative of victim and perpetrator. Directed by José Francisco Malavé of Cisco Films, the film shifts the lens to examine how bullying ripples through families and communities. “Bullying is not just a personal issue – it’s a cultural one,” explains Calvache Durand. “We wanted to show not only the pain of the victim but also the invisible scars on parents, siblings and even bystanders.”
This approach struck a chord with the audience. By humanizing the impact of bullying, the film reveals the fragility of emotional well-being in an increasingly disconnected world. Its stark portrayal of how isolation, rumor-mongering and verbal harassment can lead to tragic consequences, including youth suicide, has sparked critical conversation. The film’s educational value, along with its raw emotional honesty, won praise from teachers, psychologists and advocates. “It’s a story that society needs to confront directly,” says Calvache Durand.
Collaboration with a visionary: Working with José Francisco Malavé
For Calvache Durand, the partnership with Malavé was crucial to the film’s success. “From the beginning, we shared a mission: to use storytelling as a catalyst for change,” he says. Together they created a production that balanced artistic ambition with social responsibility. The process, Calvache Durand admits, was “demanding but deeply satisfying.” Malavé’s directorial vision, paired with Calvache Durand’s strategic insight as a producer, created a synergy that lifted the project beyond a documentary into a movement.
Their collaboration represents what Calvache Durand calls “filmmaking with a purpose”—a philosophy that transforms media into a tool for awareness and action. “When the story resonates, when it evokes empathy, that’s when change begins,” he says.
Addressing a nationwide crisis: The startling reality of bullying
The film’s relevance is underscored by alarming statistics: 20% of American students aged 12-18 experience bullying annually, with social exclusion and verbal harassment being the most common forms. For Calvache Durand, the solution lies in reimagining how society approaches the issue. “Bullying is a symptom of a larger problem: a lack of empathy and family connection,” he said.
He emphasizes the importance of education and social responsibility. “We’re seeing more aggression and less compassion. Families and schools need to take responsibility—not just to punish bullying behavior, but to foster the emotional intelligence to prevent it.” Platforms like The Weight of Bullying play a role in this shift by challenging viewers to reevaluate their own roles in perpetuating or challenging harmful dynamics.
A producer with a purpose: Calvache Durand and Cisco Films
As an executive producer at Cisco Films, Calvache Durand has become a driving force in the documentary field. In 2025 alone, he produced four socially impactful projects, including “The Weight of Bullying” and “Voices of Rett,” each of which received national and international acclaim. His ability to identify stories that bridge artistry with advocacy sets him apart.
For Calvache Durand, the success of these projects is a team effort. “Our stories resonate because we care deeply about the people behind them,” he says. This ethos is reflected in Cisco Films’ commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and addressing pressing societal issues.
The human face of bullying: what the film shows
Bullying’s weight eschews sensationalism, opting instead for a compassionate exploration of the subject. Through intimate interviews and real-life stories, the film reveals the long-term trauma that bullying inflicts on individuals and families. “We don’t shy away from pain,” notes Calvache Durand. “But we also highlight resilience. Recovery is possible, and so is healing.”
By framing bullying as a collective responsibility, the film challenges viewers to reflect on their own communities. “It’s a call to action,” says Calvache Durand. “Everyone has a role in prevention – whether as a student, parent or educator.”
Looking Ahead: New Projects and a Legacy of Impact
With 2026, Calvache Durand is already turning his focus to a new series of documentaries designed to push the boundaries of purposeful storytelling. Topics include humanity’s relationship with nature, personal resilience, scientific innovation, and inspiring human journeys. Although details remain under wraps, the projects are slated to be submitted to prestigious festivals such as the Telly Awards, Banff Film Festival and the Emmys.
“Every story we tell is an opportunity to make a difference,” says Calvache Durand. His upcoming work continues the mission he pioneered with The Weight of Bullying: to inspire, educate and leave a legacy beyond entertainment.
A multifaceted leader: a producer’s broader mission
In addition to filmmaking, Calvache Durand is a trailblazer in business and accessibility. As CEO of Loyal Construction and founder of Loyal Accessible Solutions, he is a champion of ADA-compliant spaces for people with disabilities, embedding social impact in his entrepreneurial ventures. His DIAMOND Method, a seven-step business framework, empowers professionals to align their work with purpose, reflecting his belief that “it’s not about growth – it’s about legacy.”
Calvache Durand frequently lectures on conscious leadership, business strategy and the role of media in social change. His judging role in the 2024–2025 Emmy Awards Spanish-language categories underscores his versatility in the industry.
The future of goal-directed storytelling
Calvache Durand’s philosophy on filmmaking as a tool for transformation is clear: “Stories have the power to connect us, to challenge us, and to change us.” As he continues to produce documentaries that challenge norms and advocate for justice, his work serves as a blueprint for how media can bridge divides and ignite empathy.
As he explains: “Purposeful storytelling isn’t just about creating content – it’s about creating contribution. When we tell stories that matter, we give voice to the voiceless and hope to those who have lost it.”
Watch the trailer for The Weight of Bullying here.
