Living The Promise
Proof that compassion transforms life into a joyous adventure.
Interview with Writer Karen Head
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
In a way, Living the Promises made itself. While editing the film, the purpose became evident and it changed from a promotional film to a documentary. It is a positive and clear message for people, who have lived with addiction, to identify innate strength and release struggle.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
With horses taking a leading role in each disclosure, Living the Promises catches rare moments of self-realization, innocence and the profound generosity of the human spirit.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Many cultures around the world struggle with addiction in one form or another. Each individual in the film shares a personal journey. Sharing strengthens the global recovering community. The truth that freedom from struggle is within reach cuts through the fog created by lies and self-loathing inherent in addiction. It brings light and hope to those who are in the trenches of early recovery or who are perhaps caught in an eddy of negativity and doubt.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
Creating Living the Promises was an organic process. The 4-day workshop is grounded in an experiential learning process with horses. Nothing is planned or directed in this process. The outcome is fully formed moment by moment. The film evolved into a message of hope when I began working with the footage.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Living the Promises is well received and fully endorsed by the workshop participants who volunteered to be filmed. They are honored to have played a significant part in delivering the message of the film. This is the highest regard I could hope to receive.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
This film offers insight into living a joyous and fulfilled life. If one person finds her way out of the maze of negative self-identity created by living with addiction, then the film has been a success.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Oprah, I need Oprah.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Should this film be of service to someone lost in addiction, it has fulfilled its purpose. I would love to see this film used to inspire people dealing with recovery everywhere, from local clinics and residential treatment facilities to universities and professional training programs.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How does addiction, yours or someone else’s, affect your life?
Would you like to add anything else?
As a whole community of humans, isn't it time that we begin to look at the reason for addiction rather than the practice of self-destructive behavior?
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Creativity is an essential element in my work with people and horses. An idea to help a person connect with a horse springs forth in a moment.
When it works and a person realizes the truth of who he or she is, the curtain opens on a whole new world of possibilities for nearly everyone involved.
Interview: October 2016
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Living the Promises
Proof that compassion transforms life into a joyous adventure.
Length: 10’ 32”
Director: Steve Murray
Producer: Steve Murray
Writer: Karen Head
About the writer, director and producer:
Karen Head has practiced experiential education for 40 years. As a lifelong horsewoman, including horses in her “classroom” was a natural outcome forming a powerful partnership.
Steve Murray is an award-winning Director/Cameraman and producer based in Asheville, NC.