2023 RELATIONSHIPS FIRST AWARD FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Relationships First AwardMY HERO

CONTACT:                                                    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wendy Milette                                                                     
Director MY HERO International Film Festival
[email protected]

MY HERO NAMES FINALISTS FOR 2023 RELATIONSHIPS FIRST AWARD 

OCTOBER 15, 2023 – LAGUNA BEACH, CA – Dr. Judith Anderson, Ph.D., is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of California at Irvine’s College of Medicine. She also provides training in couples therapy to mental health agencies and founded the Foundation for the Contemporary Family to support innovations and research in couples and family therapy. Each year, she sponsors the Relationships First Award, which offers a $1,500 cash prize to a filmmaker whose work explores the complexities of family relationships in an innovative way. 

This year, eight films are in the running:

Seeds of HopeMark Cavanagh and Thérèse Dunn 

Seeds of Hope, by Mark Cavanagh and Thérèse Dunn, tells the story of Jenny Moore, who, after losing her daughter to a fentanyl overdose, seeks healing for herself and for others.

Down the RoadCare Dorghalli 

Down the Road [excerpt], by Care Dorghalli, is a story about Woody and Luna, who generously help people in need after the Paradise fire.

ConfettiKitty Richardson and Audrey Richardson 

Confetti, by Audrey Richardson and Kitty Richardson, is a music video for the song "Confetti," by Kitty Richardson, which is dedicated to her grandfather's life.

It Takes a LemonCorey J Gilbert 

It Takes a Lemon, by Corey J Gilbert, is a film about a grieving man, who builds a lemonade stand in the park in honor of his daughter.

PassionMoemen Mahmoud 

Passion, by Moemen Mahmoud, is a short documentary that shows the rehabilitation process of Rivoli Cinema by young volunteers, who bring it back to life after being closed for 30 years.

Completing the Circle, by Emma Olsen & Alexandra Mitchell, is a documentary honoring the efforts of community health workers in Western North Carolina.

The Making of the Big PictureBenjamine Reid, 

The Making of the Big Picture, by Benjamine Reid, is a video about a play written by and for teens, in which they discuss what is really important in life and the monumental challenges that teenagers face.

NomadicKyle Sykes 

Nomadic, by Kyle Sykes, is a journey of self-exploration, as a young man visits cornerstones of the black community in Los Angeles. 

VIEW THE FINALIST FILMS ONLINE

About the MY HERO International Film Festival:

The My Hero Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to showcasing films that celebrate the power of the human spirit. Hosted by Eva Haller, a prominent philanthropist and advocate for social change, the festival provides a platform for filmmakers to share inspirational stories of everyday heroes. The festival aims to inspire audiences to recognize the heroism in their own lives and encourage positive actions in their communities. Learn more.