Teen suicide is the subject of a very popular book and television series entitled 'Thirteen Reasons Why'. Teen suicide has many causes, but the paths to prevention are few. In the simplest terms possible, suicide prevention is a question of empowerment. Teens must feel as though they have the power to overcome challenges - regardless of what those challenges might be. Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein's cutting edge selfie films and books for teens draw clear maps to empowerment that can help any teen overcome any challenge. She accomplishes this by utilizing a format that teens understand - selfie films.
"There are differences between my films and 'Thirteen Reasons Why'," Dr Holstein stated. "Aside from a difference in production costs involving millions of dollars, my films are reminders of hope and courage in all the angst and despair one may feel growing up. 'The Truth, Falling in Love' and 'Secrets, are teaching films in that we get to understand adolescence better. Grown-ups have simply forgotten many of the emotional aches and pains of growing up. They need to be reminded. Kids are living these moods and emotions right now, but don't know how to evaluate how they feel and often don't know how to reach solutions to challenging situations they are in. My films help both kids and adults by providing the information they need. For example, in 'Secrets, A Coming of Age, Selfie Film', based on themes in Secrets, Diary of a Gutsy Teen, the girl is filled with normal feelings of jealousy and worry as she waits for her mom to have a baby. Two things happen that are important. When she sees the baby she realizes she has the capacity for positive feelings toward her new sister. Also, her mom is smart and makes her feel that she is still extremely important and loved. This is learning material. Watching the film and discussing it helps kids and adults see how our emotions shift and can move from hurt and jealousy to affection and caring. Also, we learn how important it is for parents to say the right things at the right time."
"My films are carefully designed to connect with young people and to arouse feelings and memories in adults. They are raw and real, as much of the filming is done by the actress with her own iphone, augmented at times with a B-roll team of camera people. Is the lighting perfect? No. Is the sound totally even? No. Do the films teach, give hope, tell a real slice of life so touching that the audience laughs and sighs from deep in their bellies? Yes."
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 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 June 19, 2017, 'The Truth', 'Falling in Love' and 'Secrets' will be shown at the Monmouth County District Library in Shrewsbury.
Exciting news is that 'The Truth, A Coming of Age, Selfie Film' is now available to download. It is distributed by Cinecosmos.net which brings a universe of diverse independent content right to consumers. Cinecosmos specializes in historical, medical, parody, and psychological storylines.
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 her 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
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