'Wonder Woman' managed to set more than one record in it's recent film debut. According to CNBC, the movie earned about $100.5 million in its opening. That is a record for a film directed by a woman. What is perhaps even more important is the message the film sends regarding women as superheroes. Films in which females become everyday superheroes is what Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein's work is really all about.
"Research has noted that little girls are stars, both inside and outside of school," Dr. Holstein stated. "At school they achieve even better than the boys, while outside of school girls between 8 and 11 often feel powerful, strong, sure of themselves and exhibit a multitude of talents."
"However, by age 12 the angst and hormonal storm of adolescence often takes over and girls put less effort into their academic studies, while at the same time get caught up in the over sexualized aspects of our culture. Too soon many tweens and teens are less enthusiastic about their talents and academics. That combined with self-esteem problems, often intensified by an atmosphere that encourages bullying, can lead to all sorts of problems from eating disorders to experimentation with drugs, to suicide."
"Our girls are in desperate need of a role model. Perhaps Wonder Woman is that role model. A series of articles in the New York Times, including one by Jessica Bennett, 'Wonder Woman's Real Power' make clear how important it is for girls to have role models that give them the message that: I am a leader, and you have also the traits that get you to this level. Bennett's article concludes, "...we don't want girls to strive only to be superheros. But we do want them to believe the have the strength to be one...."
"How do we overcome girls being exposed to too few role models that excite, enhance and confirm a girl's hopes and dreams as to what she can become, combined with a society that is less than kind in all sorts of ways, including peer pressure as exemplified by bullying?"
"One of the newest and most intriguing ways to overcome these societal flaws is the use of the Selfie. Selfies are not just an instrument for vanity, pranks or to record a meal out with friends. The Selfie, particularly the video functions that Selfies allow, are amazingly suited to offset a lack of role models and such actions as bullying. For example, KIRO7 reported 'Bellevue girl bulled at school asks for help, Facebook post goes viral.' What could be more moving than seeing this young girl, Alison Grande, tell her story via a Selfie video gone viral? And she didn't even talk, just used cards that she held up to tell her story? At my last check she had reached more than 670.000 people."
"Selfies are the nirvana of hope for all of us who want to turn your kid or all kids into super heroes of life as they grow up."
"Here are several ways they can be used: Like Alison, kids can use Selfies as a means of sharing concerns via social networks or just between family, when it may be easier for a child to share in a video what is bothering her. Kids really talk when they make a Selfie, not just the one word answers parents so often hear."
"As a psychologist and a filmmaker, I have developed a new way to use Selfies in film, for artistic, educational and mental health purposes. I have developed what I call 'Selfiesasfilm' which is a merging of the Selfie video with a film crew. The advantages are many. For example, the stars of my films thus far have been teens. When they film themselves, privately, and then see that video film become part of a film that has drama, meaning and purpose, they are given incredible positive feedback. They see themselves already as powerful role models and realize their work will assist other young people feel better about themselves and have more courage about their future. SelfiesasFilm is a powerful learning tool for all: the actors, the audiences, educators, mental health professionals and parents."
"I will be presenting my concept Selfiesasfilm at the American Psychological Association meetings in early August on a Symposium: Novel Directions: Four Practicing Psychologists' A typical Pursuits. I will be showing my two minute film, 'The Truth, a Short, Short Film' and sharing with the audience how a psychologist, turned filmmaker can help bring better mental health and positive role models to kids, tween, and teens. With me on the panel will be Dr. Russell M. Holstein, Dr. Lauren Behrman, and Dr. Elaine Rodino."
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 was shown at The Hang On To Your Shorts Film Festival in Asbury Park, New Jersey. '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' 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'.
'Falling in Love' was an official selection also at The Hang On To Your Shorts Film Festival in Asbury Park on May 21, 2017. It was nominated for several awards, including Best Experimental Film, and Best Concept Film. Megan Brown, a high school freshman, who stars in 'Falling in Love' received the 'Rising Star Award' for her acting performance in 'Falling in Love' at this Festival.
On June 19, 2017, at 7:00 PM, 'The Truth', and 'Falling in Love' was shown at the Monmouth County District Library in Shrewsbury, followed by a talk and Q&A led by Dr. Holstein. Megan Brown, the star of 'Falling in Love' spoke alongside Dr. Holstein about making the film and how exciting and emotionally boosting it was for her to be able to take charge of her scenes and redo them in privacy when she wasn't satisfied.
'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.
Recently 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 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 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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