Films by James Callner
Awareness Films was started by writer/director James Callner in the early eighties. Our films are educational with a dramatic edge that will make you cry-happy. We have found that the quickest way to opening your heart – to educate your mind – is through the medium of film. In addition, we take our films on the lecture circuit, showing the film followed by an educational presentation about OCD.The American Psychiatric Association, The International Health and Medical Film Festival, The United States International Film Festival, The National Educational Film Festival and many others have honored us. We are always grateful and amazed at the recognition we receive.
Our films are distributed to schools, television, associations, therapists, health care providers, and are available to view free here.
The Touching Tree is the first film made about a child with OCD. It was produced by The International OCD Foundation and Awareness Films and Written and Directed by James Callner. Mr. Callner based the film on his own challenges with OCD. The Touching Tree has won 8 National and International film awards. It’s intent is to bring OCD awareness and education to the public.
In the Shoes of Christopher is a Story About a Bully and a Boy with OCD. The film was awarded best Independent Film from Kids First, The Coalition For Quality Children’s Media. Bullying around the world cannot be tolerated and those that are challenged with OCD are not immune from being bullied. This film is our attempt to give teachers, students and adults a look into what it would be like to be in the shoes of a teenager with OCD. It’s intent is to bring awareness and education.
A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the award-winning short film about a school bully and a boy with OCD ~ In the Shoes of Christopher
This award winning short film explores the trails of a mother suffering from OCD and how her family copes. It reveals the presence and commonality of OCD in so many families and the need for education and compassion.
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OCD Always Lies
Well, does OCD always lie? It’s safe enough to say that OCD always lies because the percentage of truth within an OCD thought is so low.
I asked a well-known OCD therapist and director of The OCD Treatment Centre in England this exact question: “Can I say to myself and to others whom I help that OCD always lies?”
She replied, “Absolutely, because the outrageous thoughts just don’t hold up to reality enough.”
Is there any amount of truth to an OCD thought? I have to say, in some cases, yes. But there is also some truth in the thought that a meteor the exact size of your house will land on your house tonight. Get my drift?
In my experience, I need to acknowledge and accept that there may be some truth to some OCD thoughts and that accep- tance is part of recovery too. But it’s so minuscule that I can hold onto the anchor that OCD always lies. You can too. JC 💙
God, grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and, the wisdom to know the difference.
The Serenity Prayer is something I have used for over 35+ years to calm myself down. I'm not a very religious person but I do believe in some kind of higher power - whatever you might call it is up to you. But, if you have trouble with the "G" word, I suggest you replace it with your name. And, replace the word "me" with "yourself". It would read like this for me:
Jim, grant yourself the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Hey, still just as powerful. JC 💙🤟
The onset of OCD came into my life at age 29. I am now 69 and recovery has come very far. But, still working on it daily. In the beginning I thought of OCD as robbing me of two things: trust and spirit. Now, when I use the word spirit I mean it in terms of being a spirited person, a funny, energetic human being. In my mind OCD seemingly damaged that aspect of me. I was obsessing on very bizarre things because OCD always attacks what you care about or your morals,but it always lies. And, I had horrible germ phobias and hand washing compulsions. But, most of all I was anxious ,scared and nothing was fun or funny. My spirit was almost gone. So how did I drag myself out of this pit? One day at a time and with plenty of help. All that help included words that came in the form of inspiration or getting back in-spirit. This is why I post in-spir-a-tional posts. I believe we are all seeking to reclaim our spirits again and in-turn that builds trust - and recovery happens. Make sense? JC 💙