Film for Impact

This conversation moved me — and I believe it will move you too. I had the deep joy of sitting down with Rasool Berry, the filmmaker behind Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom, for a rich and layered discussion about freedom, identity, and the power of storytelling within the context of faith and culture. We explore the historical implications of slavery, the significance of Juneteenth, and the profound role media plays in shaping cultural narratives. Rasool also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film — from funding and cross-country production to the creative distribution model that helped it reach hundreds of thousands. We also talk about lamentation — something we don’t discuss enough — and how it can be a gateway to healing. We reflect on the power of Scripture, the process of deconstruction, and what it means to walk in identity when the world tries to tell you otherwise. Rasool is one of those rare people you just want to listen to. He’s insightful, grounded, and deeply inspiring. Whether you're a filmmaker, a believer, or someone searching for a deeper understanding of the world — this episode is for you. What We Talk About: What it really takes to make a cross-country film — on a tight timeline Funding, producing, and distributing a documentary for real-world impact Why Juneteenth is more than a date — it’s a call to remember and reclaim The role of lamentation in healing generational pain How our identity in Christ can free us to live boldly Why personal stories matter more than ever Watch the Juneteenth Film: https://www.pbs.org/video/juneteenth-faith-freedom-ap4dcr/ Juneteenth Film Resources: https://www.odbm.org/campaigns/juneteenth Learn more about Rasool’s work: https://www.rasoolberry.com/ Interested in hosting a screening? [Insert link] Key Takeaways Freedom is a central theme in both faith and culture. Juneteenth marks a vital moment in the history of liberation. Storytelling shapes how we see ourselves and our world. Lament is not weakness — it's part of spiritual wholeness. Scripture invites us into both justice and joy. Deconstruction can be a holy invitation to rediscover truth. We must hold pain and hope together in our faith journeys. Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Rasool and His Work 04:05 — The Journey to the Juneteenth Documentary 08:17 — The Role of Family in Filmmaking 12:38 — Funding and Distribution in Film 17:07 — Exploring Faith and Freedom in Juneteenth 21:07 — The Impact of the Juneteenth Film 31:20 — Exploring Faith and Identity 32:33 — The Process of Deconstruction 34:12 — Jesus and the True Nature of Faith 38:13 — The Power of Scripture and Liberation 41:23 — Understanding Justice and Identity 43:05 — The Challenge of Holding Dual Realities 46:12 — Lamentation and Its Importance 51:04 — The Legacy of Pain and Hope 56:12 — Proclaiming Freedom and Identity 58:15 — The Path to Spiritual Freedom 01:07:39 — Understanding Identity and Its Importance 01:15:22 — Practical Steps to Live in Freedom Keywords: freedom, identity, Juneteenth, faith, media, storytelling, lamentation, cultural narratives, historical context, personal stories

In 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. Watch the interview on Youtube! Connect with Lizette IG: Lizette__Hunter IMDb: Lizette Hunter *************************************************************************** Want more inspiring content directly to your inbox? Go to dijarenuka.com and sign up for my weekly letters called The Creative Spirit Learn more about my latest feature film at http://coffeebeansandlove.com LET’S CONNECT website: http://dijarenuka.com IMDb: http://imdb.me/dijarenuka IG: dijarenuka Tik Tok: @dijarenuka twitter: dijahenry pinterest: dijarenuka Facebook: dijarenuka Linkedin: Dija Renuka Film for Impact Podcast: https://redcircle.com/shows/5906c6eb-2933-445b-9ab7-969c3c9ee2f5 Nerdy Information Camera: iPhone 14 Camera Canon t4i Lighting: Natural ********************************************************** Dija Renuka is an actress, filmmaker, educator, and creator who tells stories to inspire audiences to connect with themselves, take divine action, and spark change in the world. For the past two decades she has been working in multi-media content creation but where she shines is creating original content through a social impact entertainment lens. For the past two decades she has been creating and teaching art programs to underserved youth. She holds a BA in theater and Biomechanics and a Master’s in Social Practice Art. She is currently working on her faith-based feature film called Coffee Beans and Love. Learn more at http://coffeebeansandlove.com

Have 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. Mark's journey into filmmaking for trafficked individuals reveals the profound impact these films have on their healing process. Discover how storytelling can be a powerful tool for therapy and learn about Mark’s vision for collaborating with agencies and creatives to make a real difference. If you're passionate about how to make a film with purpose or filmmaking for impact, this episode is for you! Takeaways: Using parables as a story structure can create powerful and impactful narratives. The concept of the "third wheel" can be used to explore trust issues and relational dynamics. Films can be a therapeutic tool for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, helping them unpack trauma and rewire beliefs. Getting involved in creating films for impact requires collaboration with agencies and individuals with lived experience. Find out more at http://pointofviewstory.com Hit subscribe and ring the bell to stay updated on all our latest episodes! Join our community on Facebook called Believers in Entertainment. ********************************************************* Watch the podcast on Youtube!! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfHID_LkhABiMfQcVioxTcw?sub_confirmation=1 Want more inspiring content directly to your inbox? Go to dijarenuka.com and sign up for my weekly letters called The Creative Spirit Learn more about my latest feature film at http://coffeebeansandlove.com LET’S CONNECT website: http://dijahenry.com IG: dijarenuka Tik Tok: @dijarenuka twitter: dijahenry pinterest: dijarenuka Facebook: dijarenuka Linkedin: Dija Renuka

In 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 narratives. We tackle the daunting dilemma faced by artists: creating commercially successful work versus pursuing personal fulfillment. Venturing into the challenges of portraying genuine experiences on screen, we confront the necessity to challenge stereotypes on all levels. Our dialogue also delves into the complexities of internalized racism and the profound influence of media representation. As we dissect the film's conclusion, we unravel its multi-layered and thought-provoking nature, leaving listeners with profound insights and food for thought.

Timestamps 0:00 - 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 Films 2:57 - Find out when Sarah first fell in love with films 4:41 - Sarah shares a cool little story about her musical background 5:53 - Find out how Sarah started to discover the power of film and impact 10:00 - Find out how Sarah started her own social impact entertainment company Together films 15:41 - What Together Films does is AMAZING but with any company there can be challenges. Find out what those were and how Sarah overcame them 18:47 - As we push forward in the fields of filmmaking we know that technology is going to increase in importance. Hear how Sarah implements tech in her business and leverages it to help the artists that she serves 21:47 - Sarah drops platinum nuggets on when filmmakers should get started on their impact campaigns. On top of it she drops gems for practical strategies to get started! 26:10 - Find out how you can work with Together films! 29:08 - Find out who are little surprise Film for Impact guest was! 30:03 - Find out where you can find Sarah online! If you are a filmmaker looking to make an impact with your film you have come to the right place! Today we have the amazing Sarah Mosses who the CEO and Founder of Together Films. She is going to drop gem after gem today so you don't want to miss one second of what she has to say! Sarah's Bio: Sarah Mosses is the Founder & CEO of Together Films, a marketing, distribution, and technology company serving the international film community from our offices in London & NYC. She has acted as the Head of Marketing for leading Film Festivals including Sheffield DocFest (Sheffield, UK), DOC NYC (NYC, US), Human Rights Watch Film Festival (London, UK & NYC, US), and the Athena Film Festival (NYC, US). She is passionate about serving filmmakers to increase their social impact, reach, and revenue for multi-award-winning titles like For Sama, Unrest, The Tale & Roll Red Roll. She also helps a variety of industry and brand clients to optimize their business performance through technology and operational support, such as Sony, Patagonia, and the Documentary Producers Alliance. Sarah recently graduated from the prestigious Inside Pictures film leadership course and was selected for the Mayor of London's International Growth Programme (including trade visits to NYC & LA). Sarah will support strategy development. Where you can connect with Sarah: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmosses Website: http://togetherfilms.org Personal website: Sarahmosses.com Mentioned in the podcast: Inside Pictures: https://nfts.co.uk/inside-pictures Doc Society: https://docsociety.org/ Good Pitch: https://goodpitch.org/ Global Impact Producers: https://globalimpactproducers.org/ International Documentary Association: https://www.documentary.org/ SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfHID_LkhABiMfQcVioxTcw?sub_confirmation=1 Are you a creative looking for help to overcome resistance in your creative practice? Go to dijahenry.com/connect and sign up for my weekly letters! Learn more about my latest feature film at http://coffeebeansandlove.com LET’S CONNECT website: http://dijarenuka.com IG: dijarenuka Tik Tok: @dijarenuka Threads: http://threads.com/dijarenuka pinterest: dijarenuka Facebook: dijarenuka Linkedin: Dija Renuka Film for Impact Podcast: https://redcircle.com/shows/5906c6eb-2933-445b-9ab7-969c3c9ee2f5 Nerdy Information Camera: iPhone 14 Camera Canon t4i Lighting: Natural Podcast platforms: Riverside.fm ********************************************************** Dija Renuka is an actress, filmmaker, educator, and creator who tells stories to inspire audiences to connect with themselves, take divine action, and spark change in the world. For the past two decades she has been working in multi-media content creation but where she shines is creating original content through a social impact entertainment lens. For the past two decades she has been creating and teaching art programs to underserved youth. She holds a BA in theater and Biomechanics and a Master’s in Social Practice Art. She is currently working on her faith-based feature film called Coffee Beans and Love. Learn more at http://coffeebeansandlove.com

Hello, 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! 0:00 -Start 2:49 - Intro and Lauren's bio 4:25 - When did the spark happen that set you on your path? 5:52 - Did you know what role you wanted to play in the creative process? 7:27 - What are some of the roles you've been in over the years? 12:46 - When in your journey did you find you wanted to pursue sustainability as a creative and what does it mean to you? 17:00 - What does Sparkland Studios do to help creatives build a creative eco - system? 20:32 - Lauren and I remember about our first brunch date! 24:00 - We talk about our partnership with the award- winning film Rasheeda's Freedom Day 30:15 - What is the next big thing you are excited about with Sparkland? 34:50 - How you can find out more about Sparkland Studios Lauren's Bio Producer. Investor. Student of animation history. Obsessive professional wrestling fan. Lauren Sparkman doesn’t fit neatly into a box. She does, however, have a history with a certain famous oval. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lauren’s childhood unfolded against the backdrop of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway—one of the most storied sports venues in the world. From an early age, she took an active interest in the Hulman & Company family business, gaining insight into industries such as motorsports, hospitality, broadcast media, and manufacturing. Along the way, she cultivated a deep appreciation for the value of responsible stewardship, strong partnerships, and powerful storytelling. Through both her role in Hulman & Company and in various personal projects, Lauren has built a dynamic and multifaceted skill set. She has worked as a producer on sporting events and broadcasts, helped build startup ventures, collaborated with arts and cultural organizations, and advised on economic and real estate development projects. In 2018, she launched Citizenry Press: an arts-oriented development studio that combined her love of storytelling with her passion for supporting legacy-minded creatives. Citizenry Press developed exhibits, produced films, and collaborated on publishing projects. In many ways, it laid the groundwork for Sparkland. As Sparkland’s Head of Ventures, Lauren leverages her social, financial, and creative capital to support and sustain enterprises and projects led by visionary creatives in a variety of industries. Her work takes her around the globe, as Sparkland’s roster of partners span the world. Still, Lauren remains strongly rooted in her hometown of Indianapolis. She serves on the boards of several local arts, cultural, and civic organizations, and, along with her husband, Jared, oversees an impact investing fund focused on elevating Central Indiana entrepreneurs. Both philanthropically and commercially, Lauren is driven by a desire to help artists and entrepreneurs build sustainable careers that lead to lasting legacies. When not pursuing this goal, she is likely either traveling, spending time with her husband and their son, Leo, or sharpening her foreign language skills on Duolingo–something she has done every day for 1,150 consecutive days…and counting.

In 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 helps to hear the stories of others who have listened to God's voice and taken action and that is exactly what we get in this episode with DeMark. We will also get a chance to hear the behind-the-scenes journey of his bid to play John Stewart the Green Lantern! Keep your eyes out for DeMark Thompson! He has a purpose driven life and a promise to keep and has come too far to turn back now. Connect with DeMark Instagram & Twitter: DEEMARQ Facebook: DeMark Thompson ********************************************************* SUBSCRIBE! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfHID_LkhABiMfQcVioxTcw?sub_confirmation=1 Want more inspiring content directly to your inbox? Go to dijahenry.com/connect and sign up for my weekly letters! Learn more about my latest feature film at http://coffeebeansandlove.com LET’S CONNECT website: http://dijahenry.com IG: dijarenuka Tik Tok: @dijarenuka twitter: dijahenry pinterest: dijarenuka Facebook: dijarenuka Linkedin: Dija Renuka Film for Impact Podcast: https://redcircle.com/shows/5906c6eb-2933-445b-9ab7-969c3c9ee2f5 ********************************************************** Dija Renuka is an actress, filmmaker, educator, and creator who tells stories to inspire audiences to connect with themselves, take divine action, and spark change in the world. For the past two decades she has been working in multi-media content creation but where she shines is creating original content through a social impact entertainment lens. For the past two decades she has been creating and teaching art programs to underserved youth. She holds a BA in theater and Biomechanics and a Master’s in Social Practice Art. She is currently working on her faith-based feature film called Coffee Beans and Love. Learn more at http://coffeebeansandlove.com #actinglife #entertainment #faith #filmforimpact

Welcome 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. By the end of this episode, you will undoubtedly be inspired and motivated to embark on your own creative journey, whether in front of or behind the camera. Moriah's story serves as a testament to the importance of embracing your passions and talents, knowing that they can lead you toward a fulfilling and purpose-driven career in the world of film. Prepare to be informed, empowered, and inspired to pursue your creative aspirations with faith and determination. This episode is a valuable resource for aspiring filmmakers, offering insights into how faith can be integrated into the creative process. Subscribe, rate, and share! 🎉  New episodes air every Monday! Follow me on IG @dijahenry Follow Blue House Entertainment on IG @thebluehouse.co For more information on me check out dijahennry.com For more information on Blue House Entertainment check out thebluehouse.co

Welcome 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, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's guidance throughout the creative process. By the end of this episode, you'll be inspired and motivated to embark on your own creative journey, fueled by a newfound belief in yourself and your vision. Dija's experience offers valuable lessons and practical advice for aspiring filmmakers and creators, providing key insights into the process of creating your first documentary. Prepare to be informed, empowered, and inspired as you gain a deeper understanding of the creative process and the transformative power of bringing your ideas to life. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or simply passionate about storytelling, this episode will equip you with essential knowledge and motivation to pursue your creative endeavors. Subscribe, rate, and share! 🎉  New episodes air every Monday! Follow me on IG @dijahenry Follow Blue House Entertainment on IG @thebluehouse.co For more information on me check out dijahennry.com For more information on Blue House Entertainment check out thebluehouse.co

Welcome 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 this episode, you will undoubtedly be inspired and motivated to embark on your own creative journey, trusting in God's guidance. Dija and Tijideen's stories will encourage you to embrace your passions and talents, knowing that Christ can lead you towards a fulfilling and purpose-driven career in the world of film. Prepare to be informed, empowered, and inspired to step in front of or behind the lens, following the path that God sets before you. This episode is a source of invaluable information and encouragement for aspiring filmmakers, showcasing the significance of intertwining faith with creativity. Tune in and be ready to glean wisdom and inspiration from the experiences and faith-filled journey of Dija and Tijideen. You'll walk away from this episode with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to allow God to lead you in all your creative endeavors. Subscribe, rate, and share! 🎉  New episodes air every Monday! Follow me on IG @dijahenry Follow Blue House Entertainment on IG @thebluehouse.co For more information on me check out dijahennry.com For more information on Blue House Entertainment check out thebluehouse.co

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 contribute to the movement of social change within the entertainment industry. Prepare to be informed, empowered, and ready to make a difference through the transformative power of storytelling. Subscribe, rate, and share! 🎉  New episodes air every Monday! Follow me on IG @dijahenry Follow Blue House Entertainment on IG @thebluehouse.co For more information on me check out dijahennry.com For more information on Blue House Entertainment check out thebluehouse.co

Welcome 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 documentary How to Make a Film on a Budget How to Fund Your Film AND SO MUCH MORE!  This weeks episode is all the encouragement you will need to move forward in your creative career. Join Dija and as she provides listeners with the tools to move forward in their creative career. You may want to grab a pen and paper for this episode! Subscribe, rate, and share! 🎉  New episodes air every Monday! Follow me on IG @dijahenry Follow Blue House Entertainment on IG @thebluehouse.co For more information on me check out dijahennry.com For more information on Blue House Entertainment check out thebluehouse.co

Do 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.  In this episode I share four tips to help you fund your film and how I've progressed in funding my own projects. Find me at http://dijahenry.com 

How 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. Follow me on IG @dijahenry Follow Blue House Entertainment on IG @thebluehouse.co For more information on me check out dijahennry.com For more information on Blue House Entertainment check out thebluehouse.co

Ever 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. Follow me on IG @dijahenry Follow Blue House Entertainment on IG @thebluehouse.co For more information on me check out dijahennry.com For more information on Blue House Entertainment check out thebluehouse.co

How 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. Follow me on IG @dijahenry Follow Blue House Entertainment on IG @thebluehouse.co For more information on me check out dijahennry.com For more information on Blue House Entertainment check out thebluehouse.co

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 Greenbook Just Mercy Films produced by my company Blue House Entertainment LLC. Love Jordan Breathe Moving Still Follow me on Instagram @dijahenry Follow my production company on Instagram @thebluehouse.co

Hi 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

Hello! My name is Dija Henry and I'm an actress, filmmaker and social impact entertainmentI company. In this episode I share my crazy story of how God showed me that I was supposed to be His filmmaker.