Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Dr Barbara Becker Holstein's Award Winning Selfie Films Build Positive Self Esteem To Empower Teens And Tweens

Dr. Holstein, a psychologist/filmmaker and originator of a unique Selfie Film concept, writes award-winning books, plays and produces short films that offer solutions to problems that impact today's teens and tweens

President Donald Trump, during a recent speech for Women's History Month, stated, "We want every daughter in America to grow up in a country where she can believe in herself, believe in her future, and follow her heart, and realize her dreams."

That message could be said to be the core message of Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein's work. She delivers that core message through many channels including the production of her innovative, award winning 'selfie films'. The delivery is accomplished through her websites, books and charitable outreach efforts.

"In both of my films, 'The Truth, A Short Film' and 'Falling in Love, A Coming of Age, Selfie Film', the girl is able to find a pathway back to herself which gives her the energy, focus and stamina to go on successfully with her life," Dr. Holstein stated.  "In the first film, 'The Truth' she achieves this in part by putting a secret message to herself into her locket which she can then wear close to her heart.  In the second film 'Falling in Love' the girl finds a way to regain her sense of self and well-being through reaching deep inside of herself even when feeling miserable.  Getting in touch with herself gives her the strength to go on.

"The truth is in life, that unless we are able to savor our own talents, strengths and potential we are destined to be at the mercy of others.  Everyone has an unique set of talents and potential. When these are crushed or not developed the person suffers.  All of us have been stifled or put down at some point in growing up. But when it gets too much, for example when a kid is bullied, that person may end up so depressed that even suicide can take place.

"I was thrilled to see President Trump's remarks recently about how important it is for every girl in this country to grow up believing in herself and to follow her heart.

"Yes, we must all make efforts to protect and educate our children so that they grow up able to get in touch with what I call their 'Enchanted Selves'.  That is the part of us that responds to a chance to use our talents, strengths and potential and responds to encouragement, love, good education, opportunities, etc.  Yes, every child deserves to feel whole and able to follow her heart.

"JoJo Siwa, a You Tube star at age 13, is a good example of a girl following her heart.  As the New York Times Reports, she is ready to take on mean girls with 'hair bows, kind behavior and demure dress. 'I'm thirteen and I like being thirteen.'  JoJo is true to herself and she is a role model to young girls.  My 'girl' in both films, I also believe is a strong role model to girls, tweens and teens.  She has problems, ups and downs, moods, disappointments, and more, but she stays true to herself and that leads to solutions and happiness."

Holstein's short films have won numerous awards and accolades. 'The Truth - A Short Film' premiered at the Garden State Film Festival and its song, 'On The Edge of Something New' won the award as the best pop song of 2016. The short two minute film by Dr. Holstein, 'The Truth, A Short Short Film', premiered at FilmOneFest in July. The film was chosen as an Official Selection in the Chain Film Festival held in Manhattan on August 13, 2016. The film was also selected by the Jersey City International Television and Film Festival (JCITFF), and was shown on November 5, 2016 at the Jersey City International Television and Film Festival. 'The Truth - A Short Film' was officially selected for the Golden Door International Film Festival held in September 2016.  Recently, it was shown at The Grove Film Festival in Jersey City and on May 21, 2017, the shorter version will be shown at The Hang On To Your Shorts Film Festival in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where it is up for an award as Best Experimental Short Film. And to top it off, 'The Truth - A Short Film' was an official selection for the virtual Female Filmmakers Film Festival held on the web.  There was a public voting of favorite films and 'The Truth' came in 12th of 92 films.

The second film, 'Falling in Love, A Coming of Age, Selfie Film, is detailed in a new ebook: 'A Selfie Film - Falling In Love' by Dr. Holstein. This ebook details many of the issues and stories behind the creation of Dr. Holstein's "selfie films", which utilize cutting edge New Media technology. These films are Selfie Films assisted by a professional camera crew, resulting in an intensity and intimacy of performance. The topics and questions for discussion in the book can be used by a group of two, a parent and a child, or a group of hundreds as the universal subjects of growing up and handling tough issues are discussed. 

'Falling in Love' is was an official selection at the Brightside Tavern Film Festival in Jersey City in early March, nominated for several awards, including 'Best Experimental Film' and 'Best New Jersey Short'.  It came in second place for 'Best New Jersey Short'.  It will be shown again on May 21st at The Hang On To Your Shorts Film Festival in Asbury Park.  It is up for several awards, including 'Best Experimental Film' and 'Best New Concept in a Film'.

On March 29, 2017 Dr. Holstein attended for the sixth time, Author's Day at the Ocean Township Intermediate School where she presented film excerpts from both 'The Truth' and 'Falling in Love' to sixth graders.  They were able to watch at the same time, yet separately on their tablets. Comments included how genuine the girl's emotions were, how parents can't always be there to protect or understand, how hard it is to move to a new town, the real issues of having a crush, and suggestions as to how we can handle problems.

Dr. Holstein is also partnering with charitable organizations who focus on helping young girls overcome challenges. She allows both films to be used as fundraising tools.

Dr. Holstein requests that any verified charitable organization interested in raising funds contact her via email. She is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at drbarbara@enchantedself.com. Both the film and the ebook are available at http://www.payhip.com/drbholstein. All of her books are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and all other online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.NewShortFilmTheTruth.com.

Profile:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known Positive Psychologist is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for happiness. Dr. Holstein's Enchanted Self website, www.enchantedself.com, was just included as one of the best websites in positive psychology. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

Dr. Barbara can be found on the web, interviewed, writing articles and posting video 'TED' style talks on Happiness,  Positive Psychology, Relationships and Parenting.

She has been a contributor to Heart and Soul, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Real Simple, The Wall Street Journal, Time on line, the Today Show and Family Circle Magazine.

Contact:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
drbarbara@enchantedself.com
732-571-1200
http://www.newshortfilmthetruth.com
http://www.thetruthforgirls.com
http://www.selfiesasfilm.com