First Annual Selfie Film Awards Sponsored By The Selfie Project By Award Winning Selfie Filmmaker Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein Now Open For Submissions

The Selfie Film Awards celebrates selfies, selfie filmmakers and a new form of artistic expression. The Selfie Film Awards is now accepting applications for submission.

Multi-award winning author and selfie filmmaker Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein has announced that the first annual Selfie Film Awards is now accepting submissions at the Selfie Filmmakers website.

Recorded history began with cave drawings. Then, stone tablets and eventually documents and books. Today, we have all types and styles of digital media that our descendants will use to gain insight from the historical record of previous generations. Selfie films are the next logical step in the progression.

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, Positive Psychologist and multi-award winning Selfie filmmaker, clearly demonstrates that there are no boundaries in regard to what can be accomplished with this cutting-edge form of filmmaking. Her current focus is centered on 'The Selfie Project' and 'The Selfie Filmmaker Awards'.

"The Selfie Project is gaining steam day by day," Dr Holstein stated. "What started as a clever way to make a film about a tween, coming of age, more intense and appealing, is turning into a multi-dimensional project. 'The Selfie Project' is designed to bring new forms of film: #SelfiesasFilm; #Selfiesasdrama; and #Selfiefilmmakerseverywhere to the public and to give voice to a range of issues from school shootings to humor, body shaming, social media, bullying, falling in love, or any other topic filmmakers would like to address.

"In the The New York Times article 'A Twist on a Dance Craze, From a Muddy Rice Field' we learn how dancing alongside one's oxen can make work less repetitive and also one can end up with international fame as a Selfie goes viral. Who knows what doors may open up for these particular fellows. Perhaps they will find themselves teaching dance. Whatever happens to them, we cannot gauge how many others may be inspired to make their daily jobs more interesting.

"Never before in the history of man have we had the capacity to transmit every type of human effort, opinion, story or advice as instantly as Selfies permit. For me as a psychologist/filmmaker, I have an unique take on how I wish to use Selfies, both artistically and for the betterment of humankind.

"Artistically, drama used to helped us understand human behavior is my goal. I have made a number of Selfie Coming of Age films. There is no doubt that actors filming their own scenes with a smart phone adds an intensity to their performances. Scenes emerge that are amazingly real and intense. The audience laughs, sighs and is responsive in ways that lead to better communicating and understanding between all.

"Selfies films give filmmakers an opportunity to share thoughts, feelings, ideas, hopes, dreams, etc. We each have a voice that can reach out into the world. How amazing. We don't have to wait any longer to be invited to speak or to be famous. Be it a Vlog, or Facebook or You Tube, everyone can jump into the water.

"My goal is to give voice to kids, tweens and teens in particular. My Podcast show, 'The Enchanted Self Presents' and my website www.selfiefilmmakers.com are giving voice to kids on a number of issues. This month on my Podcast show discusses School Anxiety, Academic Anxiety and Friend Drama. Dr. Lucinda Monica Seares shares psychological insights, along with me and several students and their Selfies on these subjects."

Applicants for the awards can apply at the SelfieFilmmakers.com website.

Holstein's short films have won numerous awards and accolades.

The Truth A Short Film:

Garden State Film Festival Premier - Best Pop Song 2016
Golden Door Int. Film Festival - Official Selection - September 2016
Grove Film Festival - Showing - May 2017
Female Filmmakers Film Festival - Official Selection - 12th of 92 films
Roselle Park Shorts Film Festival - Official Selection - September 2017

The Truth A Short Short Film:
FilmOneFest Premier - July 2016
Chain Film Festival - Official Selection - August 2016
Jersey City Int. Television and Film Festival - Official Selection - November 2016
Hang On To Your Shorts Film Festival - Official Selection- May 2017

Secrets A Coming Of Age Selfie Film:

Alice Guy-Blache Women In Cinema Award - Nomination - October 2017, Golden Globe International Film Festival
NewFilmmakers, Manhattan- Official Selection, January 24, 2018
Brightside Tavern Shorts Fest Film Series - Best Experimental Film nomination - March 2018
Brightside Tavern Shorts Fest Film Series - Best New Jersey Short nomination - March 2018
Brightside Tavern Shorts Fest Film Series - Best Concept nomination - March 2018
Hang on To Your Shorts, Official Selection - April 2018, Nominated for Best New Jersey Drama and Best Experimental Film
Shown March 1 1018 as one of 6 outstanding women’s films at the Behane Center in Jersey City, for Women’s History Month by Golden Door International Film Festival.
Brightside Tavern Film Festival, Season 7 - Best Experimental Film - March 2018
Jersey Shore Film Festival, August 2018, Won Award as Best Educational Film of the Festival.
Actress Megan Brown nominated as Best Actress for Medium Short Films, Brightside Shorts Film Festival, August, 2018

Falling In Love A Coming Of Age Selfie Film:

Brightside Tavern Film Festival-March 2017- Best Experimental Film Nomination, Second Place Award as Best New Jersey Film Short
Grove Film Festival, Official Selection-May 2017
Hang On To Your Shorts Film Festival - Best Experimental Film nomination - May 2017
Hang On To Your Shorts Film Festival - Best Concept Film nomination - May 2017
Hang On To Your Shorts Film Festival - Megan Brown Rising Star Award - May 2017
Love Shorts Film Festival - Official Selection - February 2018

Conflict:

Official selection premiered at the New Jersey International Film Festival at Rutgers University on June 9th, 2018
Semi-finalist in the JELLY Fest Film Festival, June, 2018
Official selection for the Brightside Tavern Film Festival, early August, 2018

Angst:

Official Selection for the Brightside Tavern Film Festival in early August, 2018

'Secrets' was selected for inclusion in "Passages: Women in Transition," Women In Media - Newark's 2018 Women's History Month film festival, held on March 27 – April 5, 2018 at Rutgers University Newark, New Jersey, and at various satellite venues in the area.

'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.

Selfie:

Official selection at the One Minute Film Fest, Teaneck, New Jersey, August 8, 2018

Dr. Holstein was featured as an Entrepreneur in the Asbury Park Press, June 11, 2018.

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.SelfieFilmmakers.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

Leia Mais…

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

Leia Mais…

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein's Selfie Films To Build Positive Self Esteem Receive New Short Film Awards, Chosen For Upcoming Film Festivals

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

Positive Psychologist and filmmaker Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein has announced that 'Falling in Love, A Selfie Film' won the Runner Up Award for Best New Jersey Short at the Brightside Tavern Fest.

"Sitting in the audience, watching the audience laugh and chuckle as they watched 'Falling in Love, A Seflie Film' at the Brightside Tavern Shorts Film Fest in Jersey City, March 4, 2017 was amazing," Dr. Holstein stated. "I was stunned by the enthusiasm of the crowd. The film seemed to totally uplift the audience.  There was an abundant amount of chuckling and laughter and then amazing clapping with cheers at the end.  My husband, Dr. Russell Holstein, asked me if I had meant the film to be comedic. He enjoyed it tremendously and the audience were obviously into it.

"I believe as a psychologist and a filmmaker that the audience was relating to several factors as they chuckled: The girl, Megan Brown, was so real and intimate as she talked into her cell phone.  She achieved an immediacy that is not possible when a full camera team hover around a young star. This led to the audience relating immediately in their own heads to their own past feelings and memories about growing up. Most can find some recognition of themselves in that girl. The story of a first crush or love is so universal.

"We stumble and struggle through the emotions and situations we get ourselves as we experience the feelings of a first crush.  Seen in another it is easy to laugh and relieve tensions.  Seen in ourselves it can be painful and shameful.

"I think combining the Selfie filming techniques with a story we can identify with is what made the film so enjoyable. Many people at the Fest told me the Selfie approach was brilliant and keep at it. Certainly Megan was not being comedic.  But I think any performance that truly captures the things we go through and has an arch that is hopeful and fulfilling will bring laughter and visceral reactions by the audience.

In addition, 'The Truth, A Short, Short Film' and 'Falling in Love: A Selfie Film' have been selected for the #Hangontoyourshortsfilmfestival. Both films are up for awards. Both are up for Best Experimental Film. 'Falling in Love' is up for Best Concept Film.  This Festival will take place May 20-21, 2017 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. 

"I am very touched, as my work as a psychologist turned filmmaker is all about utilizing new forms of sharing wisdom, humor, etc. and creating new forms of art," Dr. Holstein concluded. "I believe that the Selfie can be used to make quality films that touch our emotions and our lives. My films utilize the cell phone for filming and I believe that my films demonstrate how the Selfie can begin to emerge as a new concept in filmmaking.

"I will be sharing excerpts of my Selfie Films, along with my two books that are the basis of the films,  'The Truth' and 'Secrets', with the students of Ocean Township when I once again spend Author's Day with many of them at the Intermediate School in Ocean Township.

Dr. Holstein will also be partnering with charitable organizations who focus on helping young girls overcome challenges. She will allow two of her most successful creations to be used as fundraising tools - the new short film 'The Truth, A Coming of Age Selfie Film' and an ebook based on her other film entitled 'A Selfie Film, Falling In Love'.

Charities can use 'The Truth, A Coming of Age Selfie Film' as a fundraising tool. The film centers around falling in love, along with a host of other emotionally difficult issues that the girls face.  The film is based on her successful book for teens and tweens, 'The Truth, Diary of a Gutsy Tween'. In that falling in love is undoubtedly one of the most important events in a teen's life, she addresses that issue squarely.  However, beyond the first crush, the real essence of growing up is finding a way to hold on to the best of oneself and gather courage from one's own stamina, strengths and talents.  The 'girl' in the film comes of age as a young teen in a creative, uplifting way. 

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 Saturday, 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.

The second fundraising offering, 'A Selfie Film - Falling In Love' is an ebook that 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. 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.

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

Leia Mais…

Help Girls Build Self Esteem - Positive Psychologist, Author And Filmmaker Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein Announces Charitable Donation Program

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

Positive Psychologist and filmmaker Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein has announced she will be partnering with charitable organizations who focus on helping young girls overcome challenges. She will allow two of her most successful creations to be used as fundraising tools - the new short film 'The Truth, A Coming of Age Selfie Film' and an ebook based on her other film entitled 'A Selfie Film, Falling In Love'.

"Coming of Age is one of the most important hurdles that a young woman faces, filled with the issues of leaving childhood behind, the storm of the hormones and finding a place for oneself in society that is healthy, productive and fulfilling for whoever the young woman is becoming," Dr Holstein stated. "Oftentimes it is also filled with disappointment and disillusionment about one's chances in life.  Girls suffer from all sorts of unexpected circumstances, including self-esteem blows, lack of academic opportunities, family strife, unexpected early pregnancies, drugs, etc."

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is a visionary who combines Positive Psychology with filmmaking and books to help young girls build self esteem. Dr. Holstein understands at a very deep level the importance of media in the lives of young people. She reaches young people by using the tools they engage with today. Using cutting edge technology, she presents important concepts via New Media films that combine the technology of the video Selfie with a standard film crew. She helps young girls make sense out of a topsy-turvy, selfie-facebook-video-film based reality.

Charities can use 'The Truth, A Coming of Age Selfie Film' as a fundraising tool. The film centers around falling in love, along with a host of other emotionally difficult issues that the girls face.  The film is based on her successful book for teens and tweens, 'The Truth, Diary of a Gutsy Tween'. In that falling in love is undoubtedly one of the most important events in a teen's life, she addresses that issue squarely.  However, beyond the first crush, the real essence of growing up is finding a way to hold on to the best of oneself and gather courage from one's own stamina, strengths and talents.  The 'girl' in the film comes of age as a young teen in a creative, uplifting way. 

Holstein's previous 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 Saturday, 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. Currently, her new film 'Falling in Love, A Coming of Age, Selfie Film is up for two awards at the Brightside Tavern Short Film Fest which will be held the first weekend in March, 2017. The two awards are for Best Experimental Short Film and for Best New Jersey Short. 'The Truth- A Short Film' is also up for Best Experimental Short Film.

The second fundraising offering, 'A Selfie Film - Falling In Love' is an ebook that 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.

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

Leia Mais…

Teens Falling In Love And Meeting Online - Dr Barbara Becker Holstein, Psychologist, Filmmaker And Author Offers Valuable Advice

Dr. Holstein's award-winning books, plays and short films offer solutions to problems that impact today's teens and tweens and helps them develop positive self esteem

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is a visionary who combines Positive Psychology with filmmaking and books to help young girls build self esteem. Falling in love used to be about meeting a boy, in person, in the physical world. That is no longer always the case. Today that first meeting is likely to take place via some form of social media online. Dr. Holstein understands at a very deep level the importance of media in the lives of young people. She reaches young people by using the tools they engage with today. Using cutting edge technology, she presents important concepts via New Media films that combine the technology of the video Selfie with a standard film crew. She helps young girls make sense out of a topsy-turvy, selfie-facebook-video-film based reality.

Dr. Holstein recently participated in a YourTango video panel entitled, "How Can I Be Successful At Online Dating?".  She feels it is vitally important for girls and women of all ages to understand some very important truths: "As a psychologist, I have heard so many stories about falling in love," Dr. Holstein stated.  "One thing I am sure of, and this is backed by research, particularly that done by Helen Fisher, falling in love is not only normal and common, but it is largely based on biological responses interpreted in our brain as, 'falling in love'.  Of course we have real attraction and interest in certain people and not others.  But the intense feeling of falling in love may have developed as a sure way of keeping the human race reproducing.  The love that lasts, whether a deep friendship or marriage is based on significant information being exchanged and evaluated around values, behaviors, interests, common goals, etc. 

"All of this is not easy to understand as we go through the chaos of adolescent development.  That's why in my book 'The Truth, Diary of a Gutsy Tween' and the film version, 'The Truth, a Short Film' the girl starts out in saying: 'I'm in love. I thought I would fall in love when I was much older, maybe 15. Not today....this new kid walked in. As soon as I saw him I knew....' 

"This human urge combined with the complexities of growing up and the ways that social media draws youngsters into a world beyond their neighborhoods, leads to pressures that often result in poor self-esteem and discouragement, even depression.  Role models are often hard to find, as researched again and again by Greena Davis.  For example on her website she cites that: 'From 2006 to 2009, not one female character was depicted in G-rated family films in the field of medical science, as a business leader, in law, or politics. In these films, 80.5% of all working characters are male and 19.5% are female, which is a contrast to real world statistics, where women comprise 50% of the workforce.'

"As a positive psychologist and a filmmaker it is my mission to make films that frontline girls and women talking with honesty and deep insight and playing significant female roles in each production.  Combining that mission with New Media technology such as the combined filmmaking of the Selfie video with camera crews is a win-win for girls and women and the industry of films."

Dr. Holstein believes in the power of the Selfie as a new film art form and as a way for girls to gain power. The Selfie can be used to meet a dangerous stranger or can be used by an actress to develop a deeper authenticity with the character she is playing -  much deeper than is possible when people are watching and/or directing in real time. As is very evident in her films, both the audience and the girl actors feel the deepened authenticity, as the characters become so real.

One of Dr. Holstein's recent short films, 'The Truth - A Short Film' uses the selfie concept to paint a portrait of a young girl. The new short film shows us how the girl attempts to deal with life changing problems, concerns, challenges and issues all young girls face. The result is an eye-opening, in-depth exploration of her life, giving the viewer the distinct impression that they have been somehow magically embedded into that life. If the selfie concept were be transformed into an art form, 'The Truth' would be the result. This 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 will be shown on Saturday, November 5 2016 at the Jersey City International Television and Film Festival.

'The Truth, a Short Film', a longer 16 minute portrayal of a girl growing up, has been officially selected for the Golden Door International Film Festival held in September 2016. The Rahway International Film Festival recently chose the 2 minute version as an Official Selection.

Dr. Holstein's entire body of work is great for parents, grandparents, older siblings and teachers to establish lines of communication with the tweens and teens in their lives. Her books have received numerous awards. A recent review of Dr. Holstein's book, 'Secrets', stated, "This book should ideally be stocked in the home libraries of families with children and in school libraries worldwide."

'The Truth' focuses on how teens communicate their deepest needs. A trailer from her new short film, 'The Truth', an Official Choice of the Garden State Film Festival, is available at www.thetruthforgirls.com.  The trailer captures the world of technology and its public nature with the intense needs of a young girl to share her most private and most intimate thoughts, feelings, ideas and secrets.

A sequel to 'The Truth', 'Secrets', starring Megan Brown, is currently in production. In the sequel, based on 'Secrets, Diary of a Gutsy Teen', a girl shares her feelings and emotions, and pain, making Selfie Videos of herself.  Whether these are another form of the old fashioned diary, or whether she is reaching out to a stranger is unclear.  What is clear is her need to find someone or some place where she can share her longings and her hunger to find a home for her intense emotions. She needs to be understood, and to find peace of mind as she works her way through the adolescent storms.

Dr. Holstein is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at drbarbara@enchantedself.com. 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.TheTruthForGirls.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

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