A Cinematic Stand Against Bullying: Dr. Fia Johansson’s Role in Blow for Blow
Written by Kaitlyn Gomez
In an era when film is increasingly being employed as an agent for bringing awareness and changing society, Dr. Fia Johansson is entering into that role. With her compelling fusion of intuition, strategy, and storytelling, Johansson is making an effective and vibrant impact on the silver screen. Her latest work in the film Blow for Blow is an intense commentary on the devastating effects of bullying.
The movie explores the conflict between an inner and an outer conflict that is brought about by bullying. It not only comes to the surface but reaches far into the emotional toll that the experience will likely have on a human being's sense of self, identity, and purpose. With the pain and triumph of the character, Blow for Blow gives voice to the voiceless and the suppressed.
As producer and shadow director, Dr. Johansson set the emotional tone for the work. Her experience as a psychologist and years of strategic work enabled her to be sensitive and perceptive about dealing with the subject matter. That sense of realism infuses every scene, every line of dialogue, and every emotional moment within the tale.
She also collaborated closely alongside Rigan Machado the maker of the film and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master and legend, who shares the same persistence and perseverance one can see and experience in real life as the character herself. His contribution lent realism to the action pieces, but then connected to the same theme of staying power and toughness. Where Johansson broached the emotional middle ground, Machado deepened the physical and visual lexicon of survival and inner toughness.
Dr. Fia Johansson's passion for using art as an advocate is also apparent, not only through the narrative within the movie but through the way the venture has been envisioned and marketed. Her own social media handles and accounts have been leveraged to facilitate conversations about healing, mental illness, and inner resilience, propelling the message from the movie far beyond the movie screen.
Blow for Blow will be out on all major platforms later this year, and it will be viewable for people everywhere. It's hoped that it will get the long-overdue conversations going within communities, schools, and households. In releasing the movie, Johansson and Machado hope to leave a lasting impact, not only within the industry but within society as a whole.
For those who wish to follow her work and hear more about the release and purpose of the film, Dr. Fia Johansson regularly posts updates and information on both her Instagram @persianmedium and Twitter @DrFiaJohansson.
