Shows
Film for ImpactHow to create memorable performances with actress and producer Lizette HunterIn this episode of Film for Impact, I got a chance to interview the amazing actress Lizette Hunter about her role in the film Hermanita and her journey as an actress and raising a family. We discuss the process of creating the film, the importance of representation and cultural authenticity, as well as the impact of storytelling. Lizette shares her experiences as a mother and how she balances her acting career with family life. We dive deep on the importance of following your dreams, having a strong support system, and not comparing yourself to others. 2024-06-1433 min
Film for ImpactHow to Fight Injustice with FilmHave you ever wondered how film can make a REAL impact in this world? Well my next guest is the real deal. In this episode, I sit down with Mark Steenbarger, the founder and CEO of Point of View Stories, a groundbreaking film production company that creates short narrative films for therapeutic purposes.Mark shares how he drew inspiration from parables in the Bible to develop compelling story structures for his films. We dive into the concept of the "third wheel" and its connection to trust issues faced by survivors of commercial sexual exploitation...2024-05-2741 min
Film for ImpactWhat American Fiction teaches us about mental health with Dr. Jennifer NobleIn this episode of Film for Impact, I'm thrilled to be joined by my friend Dr. Jennifer Noble, a psychologist and educator specializing in marginalized communities. Together, we dive deep into the compelling film 'American Fiction' and its profound impact.Follow the journey of a frustrated novelist professor whose satirical book gets mistaken for serious literature by white publishers. Our conversation navigates through intricate themes of identity, depression, and societal pressure to conform to stereotypes.We explore the critical need for authentic representation in cinema, advocating for more diverse...2024-05-0354 min
Film for ImpactCreate Impact with Your Film with Sarah Mosses CEO and Founder of Together FilmsTimestamps0:00 - Find out how I met Sarah! 00:55 - Find out who Sarah is and hear her amazing bio!2:15 - Hear Sarah’s philosphy on the internships at Together Films2:57 - Find out when Sarah first fell in love with films4:41 - Sarah shares a cool little story about her musical background5:53 - Find out how Sarah started to discover the power of film and impact10:00 - Find out how Sarah started her own social impact entertainment company Together films15:41 - What Together Fi...2024-03-0930 min
Film for ImpactHow to Find Your Creative Path with Lauren Sparkman Founder and Head of Ventures at Sparkland StudiosHello, I'm so excited for today's episode of Film for Impact. Today we are talking to Lauren Sparkman Founder and Head of Ventures for Sparkland Studios.I met Lauren years ago when we worked on the award - winning film Rasheeda's Freedom Day in partnership with The Harrison Center for the Arts. From there, a beautiful friendship has sparked! Today we get to have an amazing conversation about how she found her path as a business creative as well as the amazing things that are going on at Sparkland Studios!2023-11-2735 min
Film for ImpactHow to Take a Leap of Faith with DeMark ThompsonIn this episode of Film for Impact I talk with L.A. actor DeMark Thompson about his journey from working for the federal government to taking a leap to pursue his dreams of acting. We also talk about how journeying with his mother through a terminal cancer diagnosis catapulted him to take THE leap of faith. I know that you will be inspired by this episode if you are on a similar journey and feel a calling in your life. Sometimes we need to just take that leap of faith even when it may not make logical sense. It...2023-11-1133 min
Film for ImpactThe Road to my Award Winning Film Rasheeda's Freedom DayWelcome to this enlightening episode, where Dija engages in a captivating conversation with Moriah Miller, a fellow filmmaker and passionate film enthusiast. Join these two talented filmmakers as they delve into Moriah's inspiring journey with film, exploring the hows and whys behind her career choices.Throughout this episode, you will hear Moriah's passion for filmmaking and her experiences in the industry. She shares valuable insights into making connections and leveraging them to achieve success, including winning awards for her work. Their discussion highlights the power of learning and the impact of films in our lives....2023-09-1838 min
Film for ImpactWhat I learned from making my first documentary - Elevate: From Tragedy to TriumphWelcome to today's enlightening episode, where Dija shares valuable insights and lessons she learned from making her first documentary. Join her as she takes you through every intricate step of the documentary-making process, providing a behind-the-scenes look at her creative journey.Throughout this episode, Dija candidly discusses the highs and lows she experienced while working on her documentary project. She offers in-depth insights into the various aspects of the production, including the pivotal roles played by the talented individuals she collaborated with. Dija's storytelling showcases the power of bringing your ideas from your mind to the screen...2023-08-2124 min
Film for ImpactHow faith can reveal your path to success in Entertainment with fellow filmmaker, actor, and entreprenuer Tijideen RowleyWelcome to today's enlightening episode, where Dija engages in a captivating conversation with Tijideen Rowley, a fellow actor, filmmaker, teacher, and passionate film enthusiast. Join these two talented filmmakers as they delve into Tijideen's inspiring journey with film, exploring the hows and whys behind his career choices.Throughout this episode, you will witness how both Dija and Tijideen have allowed Christ to lead them, making their faith the forefront of their creative pursuits. Their experiences and insights will showcase the power of faith in guiding one's artistic path and career decisions.By the end of...2023-08-0743 min
Film for ImpactWhat is social impact entertainment and why does it matter for our culture?Welcome to today's enlightening episode, where Dija takes us on a journey into the fascinating world of social impact entertainment. Have you ever come across the term "social impact entertainment" and wondered what it entails? This episode serves as a valuable resource for film enthusiasts, creators, and everyone in-between. Tune in as Dija shares her expertise, providing in-depth knowledge and insights into this powerful form of storytelling. Discover the meaningful conversations surrounding social impact entertainment and gain a deeper understanding of its potential for driving social change. By the end of this episode, you'll be inspired and motivated to...2023-07-1012 min
Film for ImpactThe one thing you need to move forward in your creative careerWelcome to the Film For Impact Podcast, formally known as Woman Behind The Lens Podcast!This season is for film maker, film lovers, and those in-between. This season will provide you with a look into Dija's love for film and so much more. The resources that you will walk away with will equip you or inspire you in your film journey!We have so much to cover this season! Some of our topics include:Lessons from making my first documentaryHow to Make a Film on a BudgetHow to Fund Your Film2023-06-2627 min
What's Her Story16. Processing Identity Through Film with Dija Renuka HenryIdentity work is sacred work. Seeing ourselves in others creates connection and gives us valuable insights into new layers of our own identity. This is one of the many reasons that representation matters.Dija Renuka Henry is an award winning actor and filmmaker and is working on her first feature film, Coffee Beans and Love. Her goal is to tell diverse stories that transforms lives and elevates culture.You can support her crowdfunding campaign here: www.coffeebeansandlove.comCONNECT WITH DIJA:Instagram: @dijarenuka and @thebluehouse.co2023-06-2351 min
Film for Impact008: How I have funded my filmsDo you have a movie idea but your'e not sure how to fund it? In this episode I will share with you what has worked for me and how I was able to fund 5 short films. Funding a project is not easy. It takes being determined and tenacious. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Are you a creative spirit and need some encouragement in your journey? Click the link to receive The Creative Spirit Newsletter for bi-weekly encouragement straight to your inbox: thecreativespiritAre you a Christian working in or hope to work in the Entertainment Industry? Join our...2022-05-1521 min
Film for Impact005: How to make an impact with your film Part 3 | Impact campaignsHow to make an impact with your film part 3 continues on from part 2 where we dove deep, like nerdy deep into how compelling stories create impact in the world. In this episode we get talk about what the next step you want to take your audience through after they see your film. Now that you've primed them to take action what should they be doing next? Well today we dive deep and figure out how to create an impact campaign for change. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Are you a creative spirit and need some encouragement in your journey...2022-02-1715 min
Film for Impact006: How to cast your filmEver wondered how you can cast your next film or project? Well in this episode I spill all the tea on how you can prep for an audition, share your audition and attract the right talent for your project. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Are you a creative spirit and need some encouragement in your journey? Click the link to receive The Creative Spirit Newsletter for bi-weekly encouragement straight to your inbox: thecreativespiritAre you a Christian working in or hope to work in the Entertainment Industry? Join our Facebook group called Believers in Entertainment. We get tog...2022-01-2835 min
Film for Impact004: How to make an impact with your film part 2 | Compelling StoriesHow to make an impact with your film part two continues on from part one where we talked about the genre of film making that I'm a part of and a little of my story of how I got involved with social impact entertainment. In this episode we dive deep, like nerdy deep into how compelling stories create impact in the world. I hope that by learning about HOW compelling stories create change it will motivate you and give you confidence...and direction on how to create stories that are entertaining AND create change. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...2022-01-2112 min
Film for Impact003: How to make an impact with film part 1 | What is Social Impact Entertainment?Are you someone who believes that stories can impact change? Have you thought about making a movie about something you are passionate about and wondered how you can actually make a difference with that film? Well you're in the right place! Today I'm starting a series explaining the genre of film that I am involved in that is all about making a difference! Mentioned in the episode: The State of SIE Report Films Mentioned by Participant Media Wonder The Help Roma...2022-01-1015 min
Film for Impact002: Four Tips to Help you on your unique creative pathHi I'm Dija Henry and I'm an actress, filmmaker and run a social impact entertainment company. In this episode I share with you some practical tips to help you understand what it looks like to be God's filmmaker.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Are you a creative spirit and need some encouragement in your journey? Click the link to receive The Creative Spirit Newsletter for bi-weekly encouragement straight to your inbox: thecreativespiritAre you a Christian working in or hope to work in the Entertainment Industry? Join our Facebook group called Believers in Entertainment. We get together vir...2021-12-0920 min
Film for Impact001: When you don't fit the normal path maybe this is whyAs you go about chasing your dreams it can feel frustrating when the normal path doesn't seem to fit you. When you try to check the boxes that everyone else checks and things don't work out it can leave you confused and discouraged. I remember one day I was praying and asking God why I couldn't just do what everyone else was doing. Why did it feel so hard for me and he gave me an answer that blew my mind. In this podcast I share with you what God said to me and how I was...2021-12-0225 min