My Body is My Home
This documentary highlights the transformative impact of the Dharma Project's mindfulness and yoga programs. Through personal stories and interviews, it explores how these practices offer essential tools for managing stress and trauma, particularly for groups often left out of the traditional yoga narrative. With a focus on underserved communities, the film demonstrates the profound ways mindfulness and yoga can shape not only physical health but also the mental and emotional well-being of participants.
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Hadyn O'HaraDirector
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Hadyn O'HaraProducer
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Project Type:Documentary, Short
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Runtime:12 minutes
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Completion Date:September 6, 2024
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Production Budget:0 USD
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Iphone15
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Film Color:Black & White and Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
Hadyn O'Hara is a passionate entrepreneur and mental health advocate, best known for founding Atlanta's first cat cafe, Java Cats, which combined her love for animals and community care. Through Java Cats, Hadyn created a welcoming space that facilitated countless cat adoptions while also promoting mental wellness through compassion and community. As a dedicated advocate for helping people and animals, Hadyn is now expanding her focus to mental health and compassion fatigue. With a deep commitment to helping others, she continues to explore ways to foster well-being and personal growth through creative, heartfelt initiatives.
I dropped out of GSU during my senior year, where I was pursuing a film degree, to pursue my other love: cats. When the pandemic forced the cafe to close in 2022, I found myself searching for other avenues to bring meaning and purpose back into my life. Since then, I've been helping small businesses and nonprofits with social media and marketing.
When I saw that the Dharma Project was hiring for a Social Media Manager, I was so inspired and moved the more I learned about their organization. I had been struggling to cope with my own grief and trauma, so I really felt drawn to the idea of supporting a nonprofit that helped others heal from theirs.
In February, I interviewed with Liz of the Dharma Project—unintentionally, the same day I would be visiting with someone I loved at the pinnacle of their struggle with addiction.
By March, I was hired onto the team and have been grateful ever since to be part of a community of people all working toward healing and helping others heal.
Our Director, Cindy, asked if it would be possible to submit a video for the Sundance competition three weeks ago, and I’ve spent the last 72 hours editing and piecing it together. Although we had a limited time frame and material to work with, this footage still encapsulates the powerful impact and story of the Dharma Project.
While the film is far from perfect in video and audio quality, my hope is that it will encourage and inspire anyone watching that healing is possible.
This process has been healing for me and I feel humbled and grateful to be part of this incredible organization. I dedicate this film to someone in my life who inspires me to never give up and to always keep moving forward no matter the setbacks.
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