Tip#1060: How Movies Inspire Creativity, Part 3 - TIFF17 – Unicorn Store

Louisa Jewell’s Book Launch

My creativity and drive are always inspired by witnessing others, especially friends, demonstrate their talents and ability to accomplish their dreams! I was recently at the book launch party for my friend and colleague Louisa Jewell, Positive Psychology Expert & Speaker. It was an exciting, thrilling celebration of her long journey to write and publish her book Wire Your Brain for Confidence: The Science of Conquering Self-Doubt. I was so inspired holding her book in my hands and by her presentation about her many years of perseverance and resilience to write about a subject she was deeply passionate about.

Mysterious Barricades Concert

I also experienced wonderful, moving music at the Mysterious Barricades Concert at Walter Hall here in Toronto for World Suicide Prevention Day. I marveled at the majestic singing and amazing musicians like the harpist and cello player. Their creativity and joy filled the packed concert hall and by the final two choir performances I was moved to tears.

Jim Carrey, The Painter

I’ve known that fellow Canadian, Jim Carrey, loved to paint though I didn’t realize how prolific he was until I saw a new video showing him in his art studio. His art is absolutely stunning and so rich with energy! Seeing him beyond his comedic and dramatic movie roles in this other world of vibrant colours and juicy visual textures excited my artist's soul! See video: Jim Carrey: I Needed Color

Art was a huge, encompassing part of my life growing up and in my first profession as an illustrator (see my illustration samples). Seeing Jim Carrey’s art, hearing the live music concert and celebrating my friend’s book launch inspires me to take another look at all my past works in art, music and writing. At the same time it helped me recognize that my creative energy has flowed into my new passion for cooking more with colour as I explore a new alkaline diet for improving clinical depression. See photos of my food and meals on my Instagram: The Film Food Friends Project

With all this going on was it a coincidence that I got invited last minute to a film at TIFF that related to creativity and passion of artistic expression? Of course not because if you’ve been following this blog you’ll know I truly believe in the magic of synchronicity and that this film came into my life for a higher purpose!

Unicorn Store (2017)

The comedy drama film, Unicorn Store, is about an artist named Kit (Brie Larson) reluctant to be in a corporate job but is offered a surreal, magical opportunity to own a unicorn. This hilarious, witty movie is filled with wonderful quirky characters and brilliant moments as well as a note-perfect performances by Brie and amazing cast that include Samuel L. Jackson, Joan Cusack, Bradley Whitford, Hamish Linklater, Martha MacIsaac and Mamoudou Athie. See: Unicorn Store TIFF World Premiere Q&A with Brie Larson

I was in a state of bliss after seeing this special film at the Toronto International Film Festival! It touched me on so many levels and there was so much to love about this movie. I loved that Brie’s character had an inner strength that demonstrated confidence, courage, perseverance, resilience, indestructible optimism and more. The life lessons in this film also touch on having faith and to maintain a vision even if others don’t share your beliefs. And equally inspiring is that this was Brie’s directorial debut and, for me, was flawless. And now I’m seeing how it fits into my top 10 lists of feel-good movies and other motivational movie categories!

Inspiring Themes:
• Having a Vision
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Courage
• Confidence
• Supportive Relationships
• Creative Expression
• Creative Solutions

As of this writing there are no release dates but I highly recommend everyone see this fantastic film when it arrives especially anyone with a creative soul. I’m sure that is why I connected deeply with this film because it was a wonderful mirror for my past as an artist and immense motivation for my present and future dreams and goals. Thank you Brie Larson!

Movies have the magic to inspire your creativity and drive to go after your dreams and goals. The successes of your friends and famous people you are fans of can also spark a flame inside you to take action. Your imagination is a powerful tool so stoke your creative flames to glow brightly. Unleash your creative spirit today!

Related Tips:
Tip#950: How Movies Inspire Creativity – Prince - Purple Rain
Tip#1035: How Movies Inspire Creativity, Part 2, Sing Street 
Tip#1060: How Movies Inspire Creativity, Part 3 - TIFF17 – Unicorn Store
Tip#754: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 1 - Belle
Tip#593: Remember Your Indestructible Optimism, Part 1 - Argo

MOVIES & MENTAL HEALTH INTERVIEW:
Listen to Emmanuel’s interview on the podcast show THIS MOVIE’S ABOUT YOU with Thom Ernst (former host of TVO’s Saturday Night at the Movies) and Louis Marrone. Emmanuel discusses his ideal double bill of GROUNDHOG DAY and PLEASANTVILLE and how they helped him cope with clinical depression. Click here

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS CHEERING UP?
SEND THEM THIS: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: The Fresh Air Show

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker on Health & Wellness
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2017

Tip#1059: Believe In Synchronicity, Pt.5 - Veg Food Fest - TIFF17 – Downsizing

At Veg Food Fest with Stacey Burgess, Founder of Live On Chocolate.

Synchronicity: Defined as a meaningful coincidence of two or more events, where something other than the probability of chance is involved.

33rd Veg Food Fest Synchronicities

During this week of the 42nd Toronto International Film Festival it’s been full of wonderful events and synchronicities. I attended the 33rd Annual Veg Food Fest at Harbourfront on a gloriously sunny weekend where I got to learn more about plant-based diets because of the alkaline diet I’ve been researching and implementing (see tips #1055, #1056, #1057). I tasted so many wonderful food samples of dairy and eggs free foods like the delicious Brioche buns by Ozery Bakery and heavenly Strawberry cheesecake from Daiya.

It was very synchronistic timing of the Veg Food Fest and my new diet direction which would lead to two amazing synchronicities that happened. They were so stunning and magical that I had to photograph the moment and post the stories on Instagram. The first was when I arrived on the Saturday and found myself in a big crowd looking for my friend I planned to meet with. As I was about to text my friend when I suddenly heard my name and right in front of me was my friend! I got goosebumps at this magical moment seeing her smiling face while holding my iPhone! See: Instagram photo & caption

And then later when I wasn’t sure if I was suppose to stay longer I put a message out to the universe to send me a sign if I was meant to stay longer. Within seconds Stacey Burgess, Owner of Live On Chocolate, a friend I hadn’t seen in years, called out to me who was standing nearby! And amazing thing is it was same exact spot where my other friend found me earlier! Stacey and I had a long, amazing, inspired talk that helped me with invaluable tips for moving forward with my work and life. We both felt our meeting was synchronistic. You may notice we're also wearing purple and grey in the photo! See: Instagram photo & caption

All these synchronicities that happen in my life always feel magical, mystical, divine and cinematic! Synchronicities also happen in movies and are always responsible for moving the hero forward on their journey of self-discovery, overcoming adversities and the overall story. Here is a prime example from a film I saw at TIFF17.



Downsizing (2017)

The science fiction comedy-drama film, Downsizing, is a social satire about Paul (Matt Damon) and his wife Audrey (Kristen Wiig) who want to have a better life and decide to use new technology called “downsizing” to shrink down to five inches and join a tiny community/world. This hilarious, intriguing, unique and thought-provoking movie features some stunning visuals and wonderful performances from the leads as well as Christoph Waltz, Hong Chau and other cameos. See: movie trailer

Paul’s adventure is filled with synchronicities starting with many moments he witnesses the benefits of “downsizing”. And when he is living in his new tiny community the plot and his life changes are accelerated further because of his neighbor Dusan (Christoph Waltz) and then a chance meeting with his cleaning lady Ngoc (Hong Chau). More discoveries unfold through Paul’s synchronistic situations that go in very unexpected directions of this tiny new world! I highly recommend this unique movie when it’s released in December 2017.

Synchronicities Leading Me to See Downsizing

Seeing this film at TIFF17 was also filled with a flow of coincidences. It started about two months ago when I reconnected with an old friend and storyboard artist from high school and art college on Facebook. Through Messenger he wrote how he got to know Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig at his home on a film shot here in Toronto a year before. That put the movie title Downsizing on my radar and later saw the teaser trailer and it excited me to want to see it! Then I found out it was screening at TIFF but didn’t make any plans to get tickets.

And yet I really believe the universe will make sure you have what you need as part of your life lessons and experience so I was surprised (and not-surprised) when a friend suddenly called me saying she had an extra ticket for Downsizing! I only had 90 minutes to get to the Princess of Wales Theatre and, of course, took action! I made it in time and relished in the wonderful TIFF energy, the company of a good friend, an amazing movie and another inspiring example of the magic of synchronicity!

Meaningful synchronicities are always present in your life and all you have to do is be open and take action when they arrive. You could choose to see them as just coincidences or you can believe they are part of the law of attraction, messages from the universe or gifts from God who wants to remain anonymous (my favourite definition of coincidences!). Your life is already like a cinematic adventure. Just be conscious of the chance meetings, situations and gifts that come to you today!

Related Tips:
Tip#13: Believe In Synchronicity, Pt.1 - 4 Movie Tips
Tip#554: Believe in Synchronicity, Pt.2 – Jeff, Who Lives at Home – Touch TV Series
Tip#639: Believe in Synchronicity, Pt. 3 – Grand Canyon
Tip#800: Believe In Synchronicity, Pt.4 - Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Tip#1059: Believe In Synchronicity, Pt.5 - Veg Food Fest - TIFF17 – Downsizing 



MOVIES & MENTAL HEALTH INTERVIEW:
Listen to Emmanuel’s interview on the podcast show THIS MOVIE’S ABOUT YOU with Thom Ernst (former host of TVO’s Saturday Night at the Movies) and Louis Marrone. Emmanuel discusses his ideal double bill of GROUNDHOG DAY and PLEASANTVILLE and how they helped him cope with clinical depression. Click here

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS CHEERING UP?
SEND THEM THIS: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: The Fresh Air Show

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker on Health & Wellness
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2017

Tip#1058: Remember Your Indestructible Optimism, Part 5 - TIFF 2017 - Mary Shelley

I’ve learned time and time again that watching movie heroes face and overcome hardships, sadness and distress inspires something deep within my soul. Watching them display acts of courage and bravery can excite me and also move me to tears. They motivate me to not give up when times in my life look absolutely hopeless.

And movies based on real-life people who demonstrated indestructible optimism seem to fuel my spirit even more! I also believe in synchronicity when I witness a movie hero facing something very similar to challenges in my own life, work or relationships. It’s almost magical and often so profound in timing that I have to write about it and share these moments on this movie blog and in my motivational talks!

The Toronto International Film Festival, TIFF 2017, is on as I write this and I was invited to see a preview press screening of the biopic Mary Shelley about a week ago. The synchronicity of seeing this film was that I’d been experiencing depression symptoms due to experimenting with eating high acid forming foods (see tip#1057). Symptoms included feeling hopeless, unfocused and having ruminating, negative thoughts. Seeing the movie heroine face multiple adversities with amazing courage inspired me to stay hopeful, positive and to persevere.

After the screening I did research on the real life Mary Shelley and discovered her birthday was August 30th. I was stunned because this was the same date I saw the preview! I contacted the event organizer and she said she didn’t know and thought this coincidence was amazing too. For me I see it as synchronicity and reminders that sometimes situations in life are aligned to amaze and encourage people to feel some indestructible optimism!

Mary Shelley (2017)

The romantic drama, Mary Shelley, is based on the life of the author (Elle Fanning) of Frankenstein, depicting her as a fiercely modern 19th-century woman facing many painful challenges and relationships such as her husband and poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (Douglas Booth). This lush period piece is a powerful, engaging story with strong performances by the leads as well as Bel Powley as Mary’s sister Claire, Stephen Dillane as her father, author William Godwin and Tom Sturridge as Lord Byron.

Inspiring Themes:
• Having a vision
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism 
• Leadership
• Courage
• Supportive Relationships
• Creative Expression

For inspiration and motivation in overcoming painful adversities this film is highly recommended. Fanning brings much inner strength to her character Mary that led to writing her famed book Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus. Mary was able to utilize her strong will, imagination and writing skills to channel her profound grief into a famed book featuring characters that people have related to for over 150 years.

So this film is also highly recommended to artists everywhere to feel empowerment and vision that they too can use their talents in art, music, writing and other forms of self-expression to channel their emotions. As an artist myself I find it deeply cleansing, cathartic and freeing to express myself through drawing, composing music and lyrics and definitely writing this movie blog!

Despite whatever pain or traumatic events you face in life, do your very best to stay open to synchronistic movies and inspiring stories that come to you. Let these movie heroes remind you that dark days will pass and that perhaps it is your role to record or write about your experiences. It may be your purpose to share your struggles and how you maintained your resilience and indestructible optimism. Your story may end up saving another person filling them with hope and a shining light to move towards!

See my list: Top 20 Inspiring Movies for Indestructible Optimism!

Related Tips:
Tip#593: Remember Your Indestructible Optimism, Part 1 - Argo 
Tip#754: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 1 - Belle
Tip#804: Resilience Resources, Part 1 - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - The Theory of Everything
Tip#950: How Movies Inspire Creativity – Prince - Purple Rain
Tip#13: Believe In Synchronicity, Pt.1 - 4 Movie Tips

MOVIES & MENTAL HEALTH INTERVIEW:
Listen to Emmanuel’s interview on the podcast show THIS MOVIE’S ABOUT YOU with Thom Ernst (former host of TVO’s Saturday Night at the Movies) and Louis Marrone. Emmanuel discusses his ideal double bill of GROUNDHOG DAY and PLEASANTVILLE and how they helped him cope with clinical depression. Click here

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS CHEERING UP?
SEND THEM THIS: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: The Fresh Air Show

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker on Health & Wellness
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2017

Tip#1057: Resilience Resources, Part 23 - Brain On Fire

This last week of summer was filled with some highs and lows. The highs were seeing a pre-TIFF press screening and bumping into fellow movie reviewer Toronto Film Critic Richard Crouse. I congratulated him on his upcoming new TV show Pop Life and took our traditional selfie! I also got to meet the Cineplex Pre-Show Host, Tanner Zipchen and had a fun talk about our love for cinema! I also enjoyed seeing Spider-Man Homecoming for second time with my awesome nephew thanks to Cineplex’s week long ½ price special.

With Toronto Film Critic & Host of Pop Life, Richard Crouse

With Cineplex Pre-Show Host, Tanner Zipchen

The lows I experienced had to do with experiments I did with eating high acidic forming foods to test the theory that they trigger inflammation and depression symptoms. This comes from my recent research on the acid alkaline diet/lifestyle (see tip#1056 and tip#1055). I believe there was a strong connection because I experienced the usual symptoms: loss of focus, concentration, positivity and deep hopelessness while feeling a heaviness in arms and legs.

Then as I ate more alkaline forming foods like fruits and vegetables (see food chart in tip#1056) and reduce acid forming foods I’d feel much better by the next morning. I need to continue this new diet to have more conclusive evidence but, in the end, this wasn’t a low but a high for my progress improving my mental health & wellness.

And as TIFF 2017 approaches my recent experiences made me think of an amazing movie I saw last year that still hasn’t been released in Canadian theatres. This film is so important for helping people understand mental health and inflammation of the brain that I’m featuring it now for those it could benefit.



Brain On Fire (2016)

The biographical drama film, Brain on Fire, is based on a true story about a New York Post journalist Susannah Cahalan (Chloë Grace Moretz) suffering from a rare autoimmune disorder and is repeatedly misdiagnosed. It’s an amazing journey with doctors and loved ones persevering to find a cure. This engaging, emotional story features powerful performances by Moretz as well as Jenny Slate, Thomas Mann, Tyler Perry, Carrie-Anne Moss, Richard Armitage and Navid Negahban. See: movie trailer

I first saw this film at its world premiere at TIFF 2016 here in Toronto and it affected me personally because it was like a mirror for my experiences with clinical depression especially before I was diagnosed. For years doctors I spoke to didn’t know what was wrong with me or couldn’t provide any medical advice. And though my symptoms were not as extreme as depicted in the movie this true-life story provided me insights that inflammation and autoimmune disorders were worth exploring for my recovery.

The following information may be spoilers but it is necessary to explain why I believe Brain on Fire is an important, educational tool and resource. In the film Dr. Souhel Najjar (Navid Negahban) discovers Susannah is suffering from inflammation in her brain meaning that her body’s immune system is producing antibodies to attack her own brain. This sounds shocking but this discover led to her proper treatment and recovery. At the TIFF screening the real Dr. Najjar got a standing ovation when he joined the real Susannah and cast and filmmakers onstage.

See the informative press conference for Brain on Fire with Dr. Najjar, cast and filmmakers: BRAIN ON FIRE Press Conference | TIFF 2016

 The real Dr. Souhel Najjar (on far left) with the real Susannah Cahalan and actress Chloë Grace Moretz. Brain on Fire movie premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival 2016

As with the filmmakers, I believe this movie can help save lives and have been wanting to blog about this for a year now. The film has been released in different parts of the world and if you can see it I highly recommend you do (see list of countries at IMDB). Netflix has purchased the film but as of this writing is not yet available. And since this movie could really help people here is a link where you can stream it now (note: pop up ads will appear so just close these windows). See Brain on Fire movie

Movies have the magic to educate as much as inspire and entertain. And if they can make a life-changing difference in the lives of people then cinema can be one of the most powerful mediums in the world. If you discover movies that excite you on multiple levels make sure you share it with your friends, family and co-workers. Your suggestion could save a life.

Related Tips:
Tip#1042: Learning through Movies, Part 4 - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Tip#925: Movies for Mental Health - Art With Impact - Depression - Anomalisa
Tip#1028: Resilience Resources, Part 22 – I Had a Black Dog, His Name is Depression



MOVIES & MENTAL HEALTH INTERVIEW:
Listen to Emmanuel’s interview on the podcast show THIS MOVIE’S ABOUT YOU with Thom Ernst (former host of TVO’s Saturday Night at the Movies) and Louis Marrone. Emmanuel discusses his ideal double bill of GROUNDHOG DAY and PLEASANTVILLE and how they helped him cope with clinical depression. Click here

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS CHEERING UP?
SEND THEM THIS: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: The Fresh Air Show

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker on Health & Wellness
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2017