Radio Psychologist Dr. Judy Kuriansky Talks Back After Film “The Time is Now”

New York, N.Y.   The acclaimed Indian film production company House of International Media, is hosting an insightful and intimate talkback Q&A directly following the premier showing of the new film, “The TIME is…NOW,” taking place this Friday, September 27 at the Quad Cinema in New York City (34 West 13th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues).

The panel of experts includes nationally celebrated and noted clinical psychologist and media personality Dr. Judy Kuriansky, noted clinical psychologist and United Nations NGO Representative Dr. Ani Kalayjian as well as award-winning film director Vishal Hiraskar and subjects featured in the film.

“The TIME is…NOW” is a full-length documentary feature film that focuses on ordinary people thrust into extraordinary events over which they have no control. The panel participating in the Q&A will address why some survive the worst horrors and what makes them rebound from tragedy.

The release of this motion picture is extremely timely, given the recent tragic terrorism in Kenya and many upcoming anniversaries of tragic events that have impacted the world.

Filmmaker Vishal and his crew were on a three-year journey of discovery around the world in making this film. “We learned that there are things we all have in common,” explained Vishal.  “All of the people we interviewed never gave up.  They knew there was always a glimmer of hope even in the depths of their misery.  They refused to give in to despair.”

“The TIME is…NOW” relates compelling real-life stories of survivors of trauma filled with hope, courage and forgiveness, and their commitment to forgiveness and connection to a source higher than ourselves.

They include Brian and Stan, two survivors of the attack on the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City; Llabana, a survivor of the election violence in Kenya; Jo Berry, the daughter of murdered British Parliament member Sir Anthony Berry; Sherry and Seth, parents of a murdered child at an Israeli settlement in the West Bank; and others.

Dr. Judy Kuriansky, who provides insight and advice in the film, has served as a first responder to provide psychological aide after the 9/11 attacks and many other acts of terror and natural disasters worldwide, including those addressed in the film.  On the faculty at Columbia University Teachers College, Dr. Judy points out lessons learned, including a new concept beyond the commonly known PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

“After such tragic events as suffered by the people featured in the film, research and my own psychosocial aide experiences has proven the possibility not only of coping but of finding new strengths we call ‘post-traumatic growth’,” says Kuriansky, an NGO representative at the United Nations. “These include a new sense of connectedness, humanity, faith, forgiveness and purpose in life.”

Kuriansky further notes the significance of the film’s premier in New York, coinciding with the upcoming first anniversary in October of the tragic Superstorm Sandy. “Research and my own workshops show marker dates of such events trigger what’s called ‘anniversary reactions’ where emotions from that time are re-experienced,” explains Kuriansky.  “Since these times provide a valuable opportunity for individuals and communities to heal, seeing this film now is inspirational.”

For more about the film and showings in the U.S.A. visit www.thetimeisnowmovie.com . To speak with “The TIME is…NOW” film producer and director Vishal, or to interview Dr. Kuriansky, or to obtain more information about “The TIME is…NOW,” please contact Nancy Trent or Pamela Wadler at 212-966-0024 or pam@trentandcompany.com .

Film Synopsis.   "The TIME is… NOW" is a full length Documentary Feature shot in 14 countries over a period of 3 years in production. It shows common people trapped in uncommon situations and how they turn out to be survivors instead of becoming victims. These are people from America, Kenya, UK, Israel and Palestine who have survived bombings, torture, close encounters with death and the loss of relatives and friends. These are the people who have survived extreme crises and the only thing they had was their inner power and faith. The message conveyed in this film is, “No matter how critical the situation of this world may be, but still there is HOPE…”

Vishal Hiraskar  is a young and dynamic Producer / Director from India who is actively involved in the production and direction of Documentary Films all over the world. He has received extensive training and experience working in Bollywood. In the last 10 years, he has produced and directed a number of Documentary Films, which have been, broadcasted on major TV networks all around the world.

Dr. Judy Kuriansky is an internationally known clinical psychologist on the faculty at Columbia University Teachers College, award-winning journalist, and well-known radio and television personality. Chair of the Psychology Coalition and an NGO representative at the United Nations, she has provided psychosocial relief after tragedies worldwide, including in the Middle East, Haiti, China and Japan and terrorism after 9/11 and school shootings. She serves on the boards of U.S. Doctors for Africa, the New York City Peace Museum, and the World Psychiatric Association Disaster Psychiatry Section, and co-founded the Stand Up for Peace Project and the Global Kids Connect Project. Her many books on relationships and resolving world conflicts include The Complete Idiots Guide to A Healthy Relationship, Beyond Bullets and Bombs: Grassroots Peacebuilding between Israelis and Palestinians and the recent Living in an Environmentally Traumatized World: Healing Ourselves and Our Planet. See: www.Dr.Judy.com and her blog on The Huffington Post .

Dr. Ani Kalayjian is an adjunct professor of psychology at Fordham University, as well as founder and president of the Association for Trauma Outreach and Prevention. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science degree from Long Island University (2001) recognizing 20 years as a pioneering clinical researcher, professor, humanitarian outreach administrator, community organizer & psycho-spiritual facilitator around the globe and at the UN. In 2007 she was awarded Columbia University, Teacher College's Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award. In 2010 she received the ANA Honorary Human Rights Award.  She has published widely in international journals and books, and is an author of Disaster & Mass Trauma, as well as chief editor of Forgiveness & Reconciliation: Psychological Pathways to Conflict Transformation and Peace Building (Springer 2009, paperback 2010), and several volumes of Mass Trauma & Emotional Healing around the World: Rituals and Practices for Resilience and Meaning-Making (Praeger, ABC-CLIO 2009).

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