“Like Us,” the anti-bullying film written and performed by Jersey City students, won two awards at the Golden Door International Film Festival last weekend, including the award for best local film.

It also made history for having the largest audience of any screening at the festival, with more than 700 attendees at its premiere. Many of those audience members were family and friends of the film’s creators and actors who attend The Ethical Community Charter School and participated in the parent-organized extracurricular arts program that produced the movie.

“Like Us” focuses on student struggles with bullying, chronicling the story of five characters who face taunts and ridicule from their peers for aspects of their identities, such as being nonbinary or homeless. Together, the five students compete on a team for an interdisciplinary competition.

Between the film’s writers, actors and extras, 72 students participated in the film’s creation.

“When the movie began the roar from the crowd was so loud you could barely hear the sound," said Kim Correro, a parent volunteer who worked on the film. "It was the most amazing moment knowing how proud the students were to see what they have accomplished.”

In addition to the best local film award, director Kris Van Nest won the award for best director of a short film. “Like Us” was also nominated for best film that raises awareness and the New Jersey Filmmakers of Tomorrow Award. Nine-year-old actress Sofia Santomauro was nominated for best supporting actress in a short film.

“This year’s festival was elevated by ‘Like Us,’ an amazing and uplifting film with a message that can change lives," Bill Sorvino, founder of the Golden Door International Film Festival, in said a press release.

A free screening of “Like Us” is scheduled for Oct. 5 at the Bethune Center in Jersey City.