Our children face issues today that are unlike any problems faced by young people in previous generations. We read daily about bullying, drug abuse, teen suicide and many other issues that teens coming of age must face. Recently a feature film by Greta Gerwig, 'Lady Bird', gave us a powerful look at coming of age. Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, a pioneer in the selfie film genre, tackles these subjects head-on. She recently issued a statement addressing some of those issues.
"Given our serious societal problems such as excessive bullying, abuse of social media, our drug crisis, youths committing suicide, and more, it is extremely important for us adults to understand what growing up is all about," Holstein stated. "Films can help us understand and hopefully stir us to positive action. 'Lady Bird' drops right in front of us for one and half hours an amazing number of incidents, emotions, and reactions that often go with coming of age. Each encounter is food for thought. 'Lady Bird' is a mirror reflection of many of us. Most of us have had a first love, a first love disappointment, a shock, been disparaged and demeaned by someone, cut off from a loved one, etc. This film takes place in 2002, before the on slot of social media. Good in that we can view the insults and successes that are similar to what many of us went through. However, some of the incredible pulse of today's world is missing.
"Kids live in a world that simply wasn't there for us. Now there is no way to turn off. When we left the classroom and the kid we didn't like we might not deal with her until school the next day. Today because of social media, the worst bullying may take place at 11:00 at night on social media. Kids are overwhelmed by social media and the intrusiveness into our lives it allows and even encourages. Down time is lost. Sleep is interrupted. Many kids text all night on and off.
"As a psychologist turned filmmaker I take all of the above very seriously. I applaud 'Lady Bird' as a window into growing up and yet I feel the need to go even further into today's window, keeping my films in the present so we see the world as kids live in it now. Kids have smartphones and they use them constantly, so in my films their phones serve as their diaries, their constant companion and a means of sharing intimate thoughts and feelings with the world, including if they wish, strangers. In my films it is never 100% clear whether the protagonist is keeping a diary on her phone or reaching out to a stranger. You, as the viewer must decide.
"My films utilize #selfiefilmmaking. This means that the actors often film themselves with their smartphones, without a crew watching. This gives an intimacy and sense of reality to my films and also a great opportunity for young actors to learn how to take charge of their character, rather than just following orders. I am proud to follow in the footsteps of Woodie Allen and Larry David who encourage not memorizing the script but absorbing the message and then letting the scene flow."
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 host a variety of people who are the creators of this new wave of filmmaking. All ages covering a variety of topics. From the depths of our souls to the lightest touch of humor, a new wave of filmmaker explore being human, sharing thoughts and feelings in new ways via smart phones.
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 of 2016. The film was chosen as an Official Selection in the Chain Film Festival held in Manhattan on August 13, 2016. Also selected by the Jersey City International Television and Film Festival (JCITFF), and 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 in September 2016. It was shown at The Grove Film Festival in Jersey City 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. 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.
'Secrets, A Coming of Age, Selfie Film' by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein was recently nominated for the Alice Guy-Blache Women in Cinema Award at the Golden Door International Film Festival on October 7, 2017 in Jersey City. Nominees were announced at the Awards Night at The Lankmark Loew's Jersey Theatre .
'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 presents issues and stories behind the creation of Dr. Holstein's "selfie films", which utilize cutting edge New Media technology. Topics and questions for discussion can be used by a parent and a child, or a group of hundreds as universal subjects of growing up and handling tough issues are presented.
'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.
Dr Holstein presented her Selfiesasfilm concept, along with her films. at the American Psychological Association meetings in early August 2017 at a Symposium: Novel Directions: Novel Directions: Four Practicing Psychologists' Atypical Pursuits.
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.selfiefilmmakers.com
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