Natalie Chien Wins Sing for Hope Music Video Student Award at 2024 MY HERO Film Festival

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JEANNE MEYERS
Co-founder/Director
The MY HERO Project
[email protected] 

NATALIE CHIEN WINS SING FOR HOPE MUSIC VIDEO STUDENT AWARD AT 2024 MY HERO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Natalie Chien, creator of 'Viva La Veta'Clarissa Ngo, with permission

NOVEMBER 15, 2024 – LAGUNA BEACH, CA – The MY HERO Project is delighted to announce that Natalie Chien has won the Sing for Hope Music Video Student Award and first place in the Middle School Creative category at the MY HERO 20^th Annual International Film Festival. Chien’s video accompanies her original song, Viva La Veta, in which she highlights the work of Veta La Palma, a fish farm in Andalusia, Spain. You can watch Viva La Veta here.

Clarissa Ngo, with permission'Viva La Veta' details the work of Veta La Palma, a fish farm in Andalusia, Spain.

The idea for Viva La Veta arose when two years ago, 12-year-old Chien told Clarissa Ngo, Founder & Teacher of Imaginate Ink, that she wished to become an actress. Former actress Ngo then suggested Chien write and perform a poem and showed her a TED Talk made by two-time Michelin Star Chef Dan Barber, in which he reveals that the most delicious fish he ever ate came from Veta La Palma, a fish farm that mimicked the cycle of nature.

Caring the planet is an issue Chien cares deeply about, so hearing Barber’s talk made her realize that it is possible to find innovative climate solutions. This good news, however, is often drowned out by bad news in the media, making people overwhelmed and anxious. Chien explained:

Many of my peers are worried about the way we abuse our planet right now, so I made this film because I want to spread the word about how to solve seemingly unsolvable problems in creative and delightful ways. [After seeing Chef Barber’s talk] I felt inspired to write a poem about Veta La Palma, a secret fish farm in Spain that produces the most delicious fish Barber has ever tasted by harnessing nature instead of polluting it.

Ngo then introduced Chien to Steve Swanson, vocal coach of Gold Medal Voice. While Ngo helped Chien with writing, dancing, singing, acting, and filmmaking, Swanson helped Chien hone her voice and turn the poem into a professionally produced song. Swanson, a former programmer, also shared AI resources with Ngo and Chien. Chien was in charge of quilting everything together and bringing her vision to life with visuals. It took ten drafts to complete. Chien said:

It took two years, but when I saw the last iteration of my music video, I couldn’t believe it! I never would have dreamt two years ago that I could do anything like this. I think this is a story about the power of good mentors to harness what kids can do.

About the Sing for Hope Music Video Award 

A non-profit organization, founded in New York City in response to the events of 9/11, Sing for Hope harnesses the power of the arts to create a better world. Their creative programs bring hope, healing and connection to millions of people in hospitals, care facilities, schools, refugee camps, transit hubs, and community spaces worldwide. 

The Sing for Hope Music Video Award recognizes songwriters, singers, musicians, producers, and filmmakers that have utilized their creative power to highlight heroes from across the globe. The prize is funded by friend of MY HERO and Sing for Hope Board Member Eva Haller and is awarded annually at the MY HERO International Film Festival's awards ceremony in November.  

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. The festival provides a platform for filmmakers to share inspirational stories of everyday heroes. Thanks to generous sponsors, prizes are awarded to elementary, middle school, high school, college and professionals in a variety of categories including documentary, narrative, music video, animation, experimental, and more.

The festival aims to inspire audiences to recognize the heroism in their own lives and encourage positive actions in their communities. Learn more.

Join us in celebrating 20 years of The MY HERO International Film Festival on November 16, 6pm @ the Ann and Jerry Moss Theater at New Roads School in Santa Monica, California. Find out more here.