Experiencing Interruptions?

Secrets, A Coming of Age, Selfie Film

Based on Secrets, Diary of a Gutsy Tween, this 10 minute film takes the audience on the complicated roller coaster ride of being 13. The 'girl' hates her parents, falls in love, has puberty and body concerns, realizes that secrets matter and finds herself in a miserable accidental situation. But all ends on an upbeat note with the girl realizing she is most in touch with happiness and a sense of joy when she is being true to herself. This is a Selfie Film which means the star, Megan Brown, used her iPhone to video herself in many of the scenes. Is the 'girl' in the film using her phone as a diary or sharing her life with someone else? That is a question open for discussion, as are many of the topics brought up in the film.
As a positive psychologist and a filmmaker, Dr. Holstein is convinced that the Selfie technology will bring artistic and important developmental psychology concepts to the big screen, the classroom, guidance offices, etc. For more information go to www.selfiesasfilm.com

  • Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
    Director
    Directed The Truth, A Short Film; Falling in Love, A Coming of Age, Selfie Film
  • Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
    Writer
    author of The Truth, Diary of a Gutsy Tween; Secrets, Diary of a Gutsy Teen
  • Debbie Higgins
    Producer
  • Megan Brown
    Key Cast
    Received the Rising Star Award for her performance in Falling in Love, A Coming of Age Selfie Film at the Hang On To Your Shorts Film Festival
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short, Web / New Media
  • Genres:
    Coming of Age, romance, family, teen
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 55 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 12, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, cell phone
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Golden Door International Film Festival
    Jersey City, New Jersey
    United States
    October 7, 2017
    North Jersey Premiere
    Nominated for the Alice Guy Marche Women in Cinema Award
  • NewFilmmakers
    New York City
    United States
    January 24, 2018
  • Brightside Tavern Shorts Film Festival
    Jersey City, New Jersey
    United States
    March 4, 2018
    Best Experimental Film 2018
  • Jersey Shore Film Festival
    Asbury Park
    United States
    August 7, 2018
    Best Educational Film Award, 2018
Distribution Information
  • Cinecosmos
    Country: United States
    Rights: Pay Per View
Director Biography - Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

Psychologist in private practice in New Jersey for over 30 years. Specialties are Positive Psychology and Women's Issues. Became a Filmmaker two years ago after also becoming an author and playwright. Film making was the natural progression to continue to bring to the public important issues in development and self-esteem that particularly pertain to women. Coming of Age is one of the most important hurdles that a 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.

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Director Statement

As a woman experimental filmmaker, and a psychologist , I find that not only are there important stories tied into coming of age to tell, but there are so many new ways to use technology to tell these stories in film. I am proud do be an innovator in the above. In my latest film, 'Secrets, A Coming of Age Selfie Film', I've taken an historically important part of growing up, falling in love, told a story about the experience and used new technology to make the film. Megan Brown who plays 'the Girl', used her own iPhone to film all of her scenes. Not only that, she chose her own costumes, chose many of the settings and even improvised lines in some of the scenes. Giving the camera to this young actress was a step to her becoming more intimately involved with her part and the project. It also was a step to releasing her creative eye for film. Of course we had a small crew of two camera people for B role shots and scenes. But the real constant work over many months was done by Megan and myself. Me directing her, but from a distance via phone and e-mail. She performing on her own terms. Of course a good plot had to be there. The rest of the crew and actors had to be there, but the essence of the production happened privately and only Megan was there, until she uploaded her scenes to me. It was a fabulous experience and I believe it is stands at the Gateway of the Selfie becoming one more art form in the brilliant arena of fine films.
Website: newshortfilmthetruth.com
Twitter: Drbholstein, Truth4Girls