Strength and Sensitivity: Women Discuss Authenticity in Film and Life
round table 1 - part 1: Diana Abousaleh, Samantha K Henderson, Gabriela Lagarda & Emily Manthei
Show Notes:
Welcome to "The Slow Dive," where we delve deep into meaningful conversations and global understanding.
In today's episode, "Community Round Table Part 1," host Farida Rafique brings together an incredible group of women—Berlin-based writer/Director Emily Manthei, Los Angeles-based Award-Winning Producer/Director Samantha K Henderson, Award-Winning Writer/ Educator/ Filmmaker Diana Abousaleh, and Gabriela Lagarda, Director of Creative Marketing and Member of The San Fernando Children's Refugee Center, discuss the pressures of conforming to industry demands and maintaining personal authenticity.
Emily shares the importance of having a story with a unique voice, while Samantha opens up about navigating stereotypes. Diana speaks about balancing her vibrant personality with her conservative upbringing. Farida explores the resilience and strength born out of necessity, reflecting on the powerful symbolism of Banksy's artwork. Gabby discusses masking her true self in various situations. We'll also hear touching reflections on the meaning of home, awe-inspiring experiences, and the importance of empathy and community. Plus, we'll wrap up with thought-provoking questions for you, our listeners.
Join us for an enriching conversation that promises to inspire and challenge your perspectives.
Takeaways:
- Personal Insights on Authenticity and Industry Expectations
- Emotional Response to Art and Personal Experiences
- Masking and Diluting Personal Identity
- Filmmaking Community and Larger Participation
- Personal Experiences and Moments of Wonderment
- Strength, Resilience, and Empathy
- Promoting meaningful conversations and understanding in the global community
Music Credit: Artist: Sero Song Title: DIVE
About Our Guests:
Diana Abousaleh - Award-Winning Writer/ Educator/ Filmmaker
Diana Abousaleh is a Syrian-Venezuelan independent writer, filmmaker, mental health advocate, and educator rooted in Texas. With a deep-seated passion for elevating diverse voices, particularly those from the MENA/SWANA region, Diana curates a monthly newsletter, "Screenwriting &," to amplify these unique perspectives. Grounded in her love for sci-fi drama and narratives exploring multicultural themes, she crafts stories that resonate on personal and universal levels. Her talents have been recognized and cultivated through esteemed programs like New York's Cinephilia Productions, Stowe Story Labs, and the Mosalsalat Screenwriters Lab of the Royal Film Commission of Jordan. For Diana, storytelling is more than just a medium—it's a tool for illuminating the intricacies of the human experience. Whether peering into the depths of the interior self or casting a fresh perspective on the exterior world, she loves the transformative potential of narrative exploration. Diana's expertise extends beyond her creations, as she lends her insights in script consulting to prestigious festivals and production companies such as Eclectic Pictures, Televisa USA, and the BlueCat Competition. Her recent involvement with the Emmy-nominated indie web series "WASHED" underscores her commitment to nurturing compelling storytelling.
Social Links: @darolina, @screenwritingand
Samantha K Henderson - Producer/Director
A highly skilled Freelance Producer and the vibrant host of the Creative Seat podcast, known for her exceptional talent in creating captivating visual and auditory experiences. With a lifelong passion for storytelling and over a decade of experience in the film and TV industry, Samantha has carved a niche for herself in editing and producing high-quality content across various mediums.
Social Links: @samendrea @thecreativeseat
Gabriela Lagarda - Director, Creative Marketing
Gabriela Lagarda was born in Sonora, Mexico, and she completed her studies in marketing at the University of Sonora in 2011. She came to the United States in 2014 to study Music Business at the Musician's Institute in Hollywood. She currently works at the film company Participant as a Director of Creative Marketing. She has experience in project management, creating marketing/sales materials like a/v and print, leading teams of creatives, digital, social media, etc. On the side, Gabriela is a volunteer and recent board member for the San Fernando Valley Refugee Children Center in the Public Relations/Marketing Committee. She has a strong passion and commitment to helping the community in any way she can. In her free time, she enjoys taking dance lessons and spending time with her husband and pitbull mix, Brownie.
Social Links:
www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielalagarda
www.instagram.com/gabslagarda/
Raise awareness and donations to support the https://www.refugeechildrencenter.org/
Emily Manthei - Writer/Director
Emily is an American-born, Berlin-based filmmaker, journalist, and art director whose stories explore cultural intersections and overlapping identities. Her writing on subcultures, travel, and theology appears in publications like The Daily Beast, Pipe Wrench, and Thrillist. Her first feature film, a retro-coming-of-age-caper called Berlin Loop, is currently in post-production.
Social Links:
IG @filmsbyemilymanthei on IG; TikTok and IG @berlin_loop_film ; emilymanthei.com
