Selfie films are the newest genre of filmmaking. Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is a pioneer in this new foray into creativity in which anyone can become a filmmaker. In her opinion, "selfies as film" is a way to take what millions of kids and adults are doing on a daily basis and turn it into an intimate communication of feelings. Whether that video is then uploaded to a social media site, sent to a friend, sent to a stranger or just serves as a modern-day diary is for the viewer to ponder. Also for the viewer to ponder are ways in which the many powerful psychological subjects brought up in our films induce discussion and thought after viewing the film.
Dr. Holstein is now accepting requests to post selfie films on a website devoted to selfie films, SelfieFilmmakers.com. The selfie filmmakers can submit their films for consideration at the site.
The focus of the site is to honor different facets of the Selfie Film phenomenon. It is a place to explore what makes these films so inviting psychologically and emotionally. The site will introduce visitors to a variety of people who are the creators of this new wave of filmmaking. They range in age from 6 to 100, and their films cover a variety of topics. From the depths of our souls to the lightest touch of humor, a new wave of filmmakers are exploring being human, being alive, sharing thoughts and feelings in a new way, and discovering all sorts of stories and plots they wish to tell and share via their smart phones.
Parents, grandparents, grown-ups, teachers, creative artists, humorists, story tellers (i.e. anyone over 13) can submit a video for consideration.
"As a Positive Psychologist, the importance of looking at our lives and the world from a positive perspective leads directly to the impact of the type of films I am producing creates," Dr. Holstein stated. "We all, regardless of age or station in life, face many challenges - the angst of the teen world, bullying, teen suicide, the dangers of drugs and violence and last but not least how important it is for women to have their fair share of the film industry, not just for money reasons but to shape our universe more clearly from both the female and male perspectives. These issues can all be addressed through films."
"These kinds of films can present a balance to all the online harassment occurring today. Last month, during National Bullying Prevention Month, advertising BBDO and Monica Lewinsky put together an online campaign against cyberbullying that promoted the hashtag #clickwithcompassion. A recent piece in the New York Times entitled, "How Do You Stop Bullying? Advertisers Try to Help," featured a video in which the responses to bullying were captured on film. This is the kind of thing that can create a powerful response and much greater awareness. Now, with the advent of the Selfie Film concept, anyone can create their own. The value of that cannot be overestimated."
Holstein's short films have won numerous awards and accolades. 'Secrets, A Coming of Age, Selfie Film', was nominated for the Alice Guy-Blache Women in Cinema Award at the Golden Door International Film Festival on October 7, 2017.
'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 Truth, A Short Film' was an Official Selection at the Roselle Park Shorts Film Festival on September 25, 2017.
'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 and assisted by Megan Brown, actress.
Dr Holstein presented her Selfiesasfilm concept at the American Psychological Association meetings in early August 2017 at a Symposium: Novel Directions: Novel Directions: Four Practicing Psychologists' Atypical Pursuits. The audience watched her film,'The Truth, A Short, Short Film' and the 30 second trailer to her newest film, 'Secrets, A Coming of Age, Selfie Film'
Dr. Holstein makes a number of her books and films available to be used as fundraising tools. She 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 barbara.holstein@gmail.com. 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 and a pioneer in Selfies as Film. Dr. Holstein's Enchanted Self website was 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 Your Tango, 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
barbara.holstein@gmail.com
732-571-1200
http://www.thetruthforgirls.com
http://www.selfiesasfilm.com
http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com
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