In this episode of Grief 2 Growth, I sit down with filmmaker Max Rissman, whose debut feature film, Upon Waking, takes us on a profound journey into the realms of love, loss, and forgiveness. 🎬
💡 Discover the spiritual side of filmmaking as Max shares how near-death experiences (NDEs) and shared-death experiences (SDEs) inspired this profoundly moving story. Hear about the challenges of bringing a low-budget film to life and the universal themes of healing and self-acceptance that resonate through every frame.
Max’s passion for storytelling was sparked at a young age—re-enacting The Wizard of Oz with his family as a child—and it has blossomed into a career focused on creating art that explores the depths of the human spirit. 🌈✨
🔑 In this episode, we explore:
The transformative power of near-death experiences 🕊️
Why creativity and intuition are pathways to healing 🎨
The importance of forgiveness and self-love in personal growth 💖
How Max turned a passion project into a feature film with limited resources 🎥
If you've ever felt called to pursue your creative dreams or wondered if art could help you heal, this conversation is for you. ✨
➡️ Watch Max’s film, Upon Waking, available on Amazon Prime, Fandango, and Hoopla starting Valentine’s Day!
🎥 Visit UponWakingFilm.com for more details.
🎙️ Join the conversation after the episode! Explore these themes further in the Grief 2 Growth Community: grief2growth.com/community
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00:00 🌱 Opening Reflection: The Seed of Growth
Brian invites listeners to imagine pain as a catalyst for growth and introduces the transformative theme of the podcast.
01:12 🎙️ Welcome to Grief 2 Growth
Brian explains the purpose of the podcast—exploring life's big questions and navigating grief and healing together.
02:30 🎬 Meet Max Rissman: Filmmaker & Storyteller
Learn about Max's lifelong love for storytelling, starting with re-enacting The Wizard of Oz as a child.
04:11 🌈 The Magic of The Wizard of Oz
Brian and Max share their deep connections to the iconic film and its timeless message of self-discovery.
06:06 🎭 Becoming a Filmmaker: Max’s Journey
Max shares how studying abroad in Prague ignited his passion for filmmaking and inspired his first short film.
08:54 💡 Choosing the Right Story to Tell
Max discusses how creativity and intuition guide his storytelling process and the inspiration behind Upon Waking.
10:13 ✨ Near-Death & Shared-Death Experiences in Film
Explore how NDEs and SDEs shaped the unique narrative of Upon Waking.
12:34 🎥 Behind the Scenes of Upon Waking
Max reveals the challenges of creating a low-budget feature film and the collaborative magic of filmmaking.
16:10 🌟 Forgiveness, Family Dynamics, and Healing
Themes of self-acceptance and family relationships are explored in the context of Max's characters and storytelling.
20:52 🌍 The Role of Spirituality in Filmmaking
Max reflects on how filmmaking requires a leap of faith and connects deeply with universal human experiences.
26:10 🎞️ Audience Reactions: Touching Lives
Max shares heartfelt stories of how Upon Waking has moved and inspired audiences.
30:47 🚧 Overcoming Challenges During Filming
Discover the hurdles Max and his team faced, including casting, logistics, and filming during COVID-19.
34:06 🎯 Future Projects & Advice for Creatives
Max offers guidance for aspiring filmmakers and reveals his hopes for the impact of Upon Waking.
42:39 📺 Where to Watch Upon Waking
Find out how to watch Max’s debut film and join the journey of healing and transformation.
