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Description: Join us for a captivating episode as we welcome Leah Warshawski—an accomplished Executive Producer, Producer, Director, Impact Producer, and even Craft Service extraordinaire. Leah shares her inspiring journey from the beautiful shores of Hawaii, where she began her film career working on iconic shows like LOST and HAWAII, to becoming a driving force in documentary filmmaking.In this episode, Leah takes us through her significant leap into filmmaking with her first feature film, FINDING HILLYWOOD (2013).Discover how this film, which profiles Rwanda's emerging film industry, was showcased at over 70 film festivals worldwide and led to the creation of rwandafilm.org—a networking platform for Rwandan filmmakers.Leah also opens up about her most recent feature documentary, BIG SONIA (2016), a deeply moving portrayal of her 94-year-old grandmother, a Holocaust survivor whose story has touched hearts globally.With 23 awards and an Academy Award qualification, BIG SONIA is a testament to Leah's dedication to powerful storytelling.Beyond filmmaking, Leah's experiences and insights have inspired a TedX Talk and contributions to the best-selling book Soul Success. She holds a certificate in Social Impact Strategy from UPenn and specializes in Positive Psychology. Leah's values of authenticity, loyalty, grit, and gratitude shine through in all her endeavors.Tune in to hear Leah's incredible journey, the challenges and triumphs she has faced, and the profound impact of her work. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about filmmaking, storytelling, and making a difference through creative endeavors.Episode Highlights:Introduction to Leah Warshawski:Overview of her multi-faceted career in film and production.Early days in Hawaii, working on LOST and HAWAII.Journey to FINDING HILLYWOOD:The story behind her first feature film.The impact of showcasing Rwandan cinema globally.Co-founding rwandafilm.org to support local filmmakers.Creating BIG SONIA:Documenting her grandmother's incredible life story.The emotional and creative challenges of the project.Achievements and recognitions, including 23 awards and an Academy Award qualification.Personal Inspirations and Accomplishments:Insights from her TedX Talk and contributions to the book Soul Success.Academic achievements and certifications.The values that drive her work and life.Reflections and Key Takeaways:The importance of storytelling in healing and connecting communities.The impact of the Hillywood Film Festival in East Africa.Encouragement for listeners to pursue their creative passions.Educational Value: This episode offers invaluable insights into the world of documentary filmmaking, the importance of storytelling in addressing and healing trauma, and the impact of creative endeavors on personal and community levels.Leah's experiences provide a rich learning opportunity for aspiring filmmakers, storytellers, and anyone interested in using their creativity to make a difference.We hope today's episode inspires you to pursue your creative passions, no matter where you are. Remember, every story deserves to be told, and you never know where your next adventure might take you or what incredible projects it might lead to.Thank you for joining us. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your friends. Stay tuned for more fascinating stories and insightful conversations in our next episode.W: https://www.inflatablefilm.com/how-we-work/Damien Swaby Social Media Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker_damien_swaby/
Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker Leah Warshawski sits down with Jan Price to discuss her documentary, “Big Sonia,” currently streaming on PBS! In the last store in a defunct shopping mall, 91-year-old Sonia Warshawski – great-grandmother, businesswoman, and Holocaust survivor - runs the tailor shop she's owned for more than thirty years. But when she's served an eviction notice, the specter of retirement prompts Sonia to revisit her harrowing past as a refugee and witness to genocide. A poignant story of generational trauma and healing, BIG SONIA also offers a laugh-out-loud and funny portrait of the power of love to triumph over bigotry and the power of truth-telling to heal us all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Todd Soliday and Leah Warshawski spent a good portion of last week in the air, filming the wonder and fury of Mauna Loa, the world's largest volcano erupting in Hawaii. They also do things like film with whales, work on projects for Barack and Michelle Obama and make art with Mark on his first two documentaries, The Breach and The Wild. Among other memorable adventures, Todd and Mark spent 4 days in Ketchikan filming time-lapse footage with beloved Alaska artist, Ray Troll as he drew salmon in pen and ink, one inch at a time. Draw. Click. Draw. Click. Ray's thighs were burning at the end of that shoot.Todd and Leah are a married couple. And they are in business together as partners in their production company, Inflatable Film. They have created so much good work, but perhaps the greatest work so far, is Big Sonia – their feature documentary about Leah's grandmother, Sonia – a survivor of Auschwitz – who stands at 4' 9” and packs a wallop of life, love, motivation and wisdom into her tiny frame. On today's show, Leah and Todd talk about their craft, what it took to complete Big Sonia – and what it took to complete the circle and get distribution on PBS, where Big Sonia is currently playing across the United States until the end of the year.You can follow Leah and Todd @inflatablefilm and @bigsoniamovie on Instagram. Look for Big Sonia on PBS on International Remembrance Day - January 27th, 2023. Also stay tuned @inflatablefilm for a BIG announcement about Big Sonia and AI - also in January!
Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker Leah Warshawski sits down with Jan Price to discuss her documentary, “Big Sonia” currently streaming on PBS!In the last store in a defunct shopping mall, 91-year-old Sonia Warshawski – great-grandmother, businesswoman, and Holocaust survivor - runs the tailor shop she's owned for more than thirty years. But when she's served an eviction notice, the specter of retirement prompts Sonia to revisit her harrowing past as a refugee and witness to genocide. A poignant story of generational trauma and healing, BIG SONIA also offers a laugh-out-loud and funny portrait of the power of love to triumph over bigotry, and the power of truth - telling to heal us all. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Leah’s career in film began in Hawaii working in the marine department for the tv show LOST and HAWAII. She’s a director and producer and her first feature, called FINDING HILLYWOOD won multiple awards and screened at more than 65 festivals. She gave a TedX talk entitled “How Do You Cope With The Trauma You Didn’t Experience?” Her 2016 feature film, called Big Sonia, features her grandmother, Sonia Warshawski, who is one of the last remaining Holocaust survivors in Kansas City and one of the only survivors there who speaks publicly about her wartime experience. The film has screened around the world and was praised by critics in the New York Times, NPR, and more and is currently available for educators and digitally on Amazon, Vimeo on Demand, and Kanopy.
From the documentary BIG Sonia, to the BIG disease of ALS, Jenn and Mar explore their big plans and big tasks in this, our biggest episode. Don’t forget to visit us online https://facebook.com/sarcasmsisters/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sarcasmsisters/support
The Patrick Lalley Show on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018. Guests include: Scott Hudson revealing what he'd do if he won the lottery on Weird Friends; Thea Miller Ryan of the Outdoor Campus and Laura Woods of NiceBats.com talk about bats; Amber Fick and Holly Hines discuss ethics in elder care as part of Siouxland Libraries discussion series related to the documentary "Big Sonia." I talk polling.
The Patrick Lalley Show on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018. Guests include: David Aronson and Amber Fick discussing faith in previewing the third in discussion series related to documentary Big Sonia; Thea Miller Ryan and Patrick Klotzbach of GF&P on hunter safety; Scott Hudson on Weird Friends discussing the intersection of music, pop culture and politics. I talk about Saudi Arabia.
The Patrick Lalley Show on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. Guests include: Augustana writer in residence Patrick Hicks and Amber Fick of the Siouxland Libraries previewing discussion series on documentary Big Sonia; The Booneman on Weird Friends; Pat Powers of DakotaWarCollege.com. I talk about conservation and preservation of nature's wonder.
This week, we review ONE OF US, an observational film about three people in the process of leaving their Hasidic communities. Then, we all hop on the phone with Leah Warshawski director of BIG SONIA to talk about her filmmaking process and telling such a personal story. Group Review Documentary: ONE OF US / 2017 (Directors / Producers: Heidi Ewing & Rachel Grady) Available to stream on Netflix Film Featured in Interview Portion: BIG SONIA / 2016 (Directors: Todd Soliday, Leah Warshawski) Other Films Mentioned: Nanook of the North / 1922 (Director: Robert J. Flaherty) Quest / 2017 (Director: Jonathan Olshefski) I Am Another You / 2017 (Director: Nanfu Wang) The Blood is at the Doorstep / 2017 (Director & Producer: Erik Ljung) Do Not Resist / 2016 (Director: Craig Atkinson) Cartel Land / 2015 (Director: Matthew Heineman) City of Ghosts / 2017 (Director: Matthew Heineman) Crisis Behind a Presidential Commitment / 1963 (Director: Robert Drew) Thin Blue Line / 1988 (Director: Errol Morris) Strad Style / 2017 (Director: Stefan Avalos) Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You / 2016 (Directors: Heidi Ewing & Rachel Grady) Devil’s Playground / 2002 (Director: Lucy Walker) Bacon and God’s Wrath / 2015 (Director: Sol Friedman) Novitiate / 2017 (Director: Margaret Betts) Menashe / 2017 (Director: Joshua Z. Weinstein) Promises / 2001 (Directors: B. Z. Goldberg, Justine Shapiro & Carlos Bolado) Love Means Zero / 2017 (Director: Jason Kohn) Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey / 2012 (Director: Ramona S. Diaz) I Beat Mike Tyson / 2012 (Director: Joshua Z. Weinstein) Holocaust Survivor Band / 2015 (Director: Joshua Z. Weinstein) The Last Laugh / 2016 (Director: Ferne Pearlstein) Drivers Wanted / 2012 (Director: Joshua Z. Weinstein) Ingrid / 2018 (Director: Morrisa Maltz) Timestamps: 10:07 - Group Review of ONE OF US 22:10 - Group Interview w Leah Warshawski, director of BIG SONIA 44:55 - Doc Talk Hammer to Nail Links by Christopher Llewellyn Reed: http://www.hammertonail.com/reviews/big-sonia-review/ Website/Email: www.fogoftruth.com disinfo@fogoftruth.com Credits: Artwork by Hilary Campbell Intro music by Jeremiah Moore Transitional music by BELLS (thanks to Christopher Ernst)
Film marketing & promotions, crowdfunding, and theatrical distribution are topics that, at some point in time, all independent doc filmmakers will need to know about. So if you're looking to start arming yourself with some knowledge that's going to potentially culminate in a successful release and maybe even in theatrical distribution then this is the show for you. Among other things we give you 5 tips for crowdfunding. Two filmmakers who know this journey as well as anyone and are currently having spectacular success with their independent documentary film is Leah Warshawski & Todd Soliday. Their current film, https://bigsonia.com/ (Big Sonia), has not only won over twelve film festival awards, played theatrically in a number of cities, but just this past week set a new record for the all-time highest grossing film to ever play the http://www.fineartsgroup.com/theatres/glenwood/ (Glenwood Arts Theatre) in Kansas City. Topics Discussed Crowdfunding strategies outside of the Kickstarter & Indiegogo platforms How to run a successful promotions campaign for your theatrical screenings How a company like Film Sprout can propel your film to outreach and screenings How to film particularly sensitive scenes Film Trailer Watch the trailer for Big Sonia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe1Mq_en-XY Related Resourceshttp://www.filmsprout.org/ (Film Sprout) A boutique distribution firm that helps social-issue filmmakers create robust community and campus screening initiatives for their documentaries. This was a service that Leah & Todd used for their doc, Big Sonia. They spoke glowingly of the work that Film Sprout did in getting Sonia out into the world! https://www.womenyoushouldfund.com/ (Women You Should Fund) A rewards-based crowdfunding platform that Todd & Leah were very happy with while working together during their crowdfund campaign. They may be a nice fit for your own campaign! Subscribehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-documentary-life/id1112679868 (Apple) | https://open.spotify.com/show/0wYlYHJzyk3Y7fHzDDwvmp (Spotify) | https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/thedocumentarylife/the-documentary-life (Stitcher) | Rate and ReviewIf you have found value in this podcast please leave a review so it can become more visible to others. Simply click the https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/documentary-life-filmmaking-documentary-films-documentary/id1112679868?mt=2 (link) and then click on the Ratings and Reviews tab to make your entry. Thank you for your support!
Sonia Warshawski is a 92-year-old Holocaust survivor who ran a tailor shop in the now-demolished Metcalf South Shopping Center for over 30 years. Her story, and that of her quest […] The post Take Two: “Big Sonia” appeared first on KKFI.
Dwyane J. Clark is the co-founder and CEO of Aegis Living, one of the most sought-after assisted living facilities in the country. Under his leadership, Aegis has grown to more than 30 locations in the Western U.S., employs more than 2,000 staff members, and to date has served more than 25,000 residents. Under Clark’s leadership, Aegis has been widely recognized for its excellence of care for customers and employees alike. Awards include: • Best of Assisted Living Design 2015 from Senior Housing News • 2014 Family Business Awards Growth Award by Seattle Business Magazine • Best Retirement Facility by 425 Magazine (three years in a row) • Top 50 Best Places to Work in 2017 by Glassdoor, an online employee review site • Top 15 Places to Work with the Best Work/Life Balance in 2017 by Glassdoor. In his capacity as CEO, Clark is a sought-after speaker and guest of the media, appearing regularly in print and broadcast with The New York Times, Today, Inc., Forbes, The Hollywood Reporter and NBC. His many personal awards and recognitions include the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award from Senior Services. Dwayne is also the founder of True Productions, where he produced the documentary Full Court: The Spencer Haywood Story and executive produced the award-winning film Big Sonia. In addition, Clark is an author and playwright. His works have included: • Seven Ways to Get There • A Big Life • 30 Summers Left • My Mother, My Son • Saturdays with G.G. Get His newest book "30 Summers Left" https://dwaynejclark.com/30-summers-left Lessons from Longevity One day when Dwayne J. Clark was taking his usual 20-minute commute to work, he heard four science-based health stories in a row on the radio: one on how a group of people with Parkinson’s disease were found to respond favorably to cycling three times a week; another on the reality that many drugs tested on mice don’t work on people; a third on the question of the health benefits of marijuana; and finally, a report on why lonely people have more severe cold symptoms. Listening to the radio that day, Clark, ironically realized that he had never consciously applied those lessons to himself. He didn’t think he needed to. As the CEO of Aegis Living Clark he had held a lifelong obsession with the pursuit of health — both understanding and obtaining it. “My back-of-the-napkin estimate is that I’ve overseen the care of more than 60,000 amazing human beings,” says Clark. But as Clark has moved into his middle-age years, the psychic impact of his constant awareness of aging and death made him intensely more curious about living a good life, and, even more, living the greatest life possible. 30 Summers Left contains the “lessons from longevity” that Clark has amassed from a front-line view as the CEO of Aegis Living, combined with the latest health and wellness research on living well as we age. In addition, the book outlines what Clark calls the “microhabits” or bite-sized actions necessary for living our best life as we move into our senior years. Clark has a strong belief in active philanthorpy, the importance of building community and creating opportunity for others. Clark and his company Aegis Living contribute to more than 70 local and global charities, with Clark founding the following: • The Potato Soup Foundation • The D1 Foundation • The Queen Bee Café • The March for Civility Dwayne lives in Seattle with his wife, Terese, who shares his commitment to active philanthropy. Dwayne J. Clark is that rare individual. A true Renaissance man and polymath, he is the founder and CEO of Aegis Living, a filmmaker, author, playwright and philanthropist. The youngest of four children, Clark was raised by a loving, single mother who worked long, hard hours as a line cook. He grew up poor and often hungry, but through the generous gifts of others, Clark found his voice and the courage to stand up and stand out in the world. It’s no surprise then that for much of his career, he has focused on giving the disadvantaged citizens of society a hand up. Author and Playwright Clark is an accomplished playwright and producer with a passion for telling stories that inspire and uplift audiences. His first play, “Seven Ways to Get There,” is a true telling of his experience in a men’s therapy group. The well-reviewed production first premiered in early 2015 at Seattle’s ACT Theatre.In addition, Clark is a five-time published author whose books include: A Big Life; 30 Summers Left; My Mother, My Son; Saturdays with G.G. and Help Wanted: Recruiting, Hiring and Retaining Exceptional Staff. Philanthropist and Mentor Though Clark is now one of Seattle’s best-known and most successful CEOs, he grew up poor with often not enough money for food. The family solution was to make a potato soup meant to last the week. Clark says that something his mother said to him about those times has stuck with him and guided his entire life: “Dwayne, no matter what you do, don’t ever forget where you came from and that you had to eat potato soup every day for a week. When you have employees, be there for them, and they will always be there for you.” Clark never forgot. Today, he supports more than 70 local and global charities and has founded three of his own including: The Potato Soup Foundation A not-for-profit organization serving the needs of Aegis Living line staff and their families during times of crisis. The Foundation has helped people with emergency medical treatment, emergency housing, funeral expenses and a variety of other crisis situations. The Queen Bee Café The Seattle-based café and crumpet shop has two locations, on Capitol Hill and Queen Anne. One hundred percent of profits are donated to local charities, with past donations supporting the YMCA, The Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Gay Seattle Business Association Scholarship Fund. The newest cafe is currently donating proceeds to the Queen Anne Helpline, which provides emergency assistance for housing, food and more to the local elderly, disabled and low-income. The D1 Foundation A mentorship program to serve underprivileged youth. Clark partnered with a University of Washington professor to create a curriculum for needed life skills including everything from credit counseling to the ethics of dating. Film producer Expanding his creative reach beyond business and book publishing and playwriting, Clark has delved head first into film producing, earning a reputation for inspiring film projects including: Turning his memoir My Mother, My Son into a motion picture by EFO films with renowned director Irwin Winkler Producing the documentary Full Court: The Spencer Haywood Story, about the iconic Seattle Sonic and NBA Hall of Famer Executive producing the award-winning film Big Sonia Founding True Productions, a production company aimed at sharing real-life stories through collaboration with writers, filmmakers and playwrights. Championing the art of true storytelling by partnering with the Seattle International Film Festival to provide an annual $50,000 grant in support of Seattle documentary filmmakers. Dwayne's Personal: Instagram- DwayneJClark Twitter: DwayneClark Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aegislivingceo LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-j-clark-51222820/ Other Instagram handles: @Living_artifcats @wisdomdiaries_ @transformalife_ @Epic_life_Official_Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-to-success/exclusive-content