By Mr. Will Wong
Many of us might know Selena Gomez as a global superstar of Music and Television and without a film or TV series at SXSW ’24, many might be wondering, what’s the deal? Did you know that Gomez, through her Rare Impact Fund, is committed to raising $100 million dollars over the next 10 years to help give people access to the resources they need to support their mental health?
Her and her mother, Producer Mandy Teefey have teamed to launch WONDERMIND, which has a mandate to change the way we thinking about mental health and how we access resources about it.
The duo spoke at an SXSW ’24 panel today, Mindfulness Over Perfection: Getting Real On Mental Health, with Dr. Jessica B. Stern, Solomon Thomas and Dr. Corey Yeager, held at Austin Convention Center, Ballroom D.
Some highlights from the Panel below:
Gomez and Teefey are asked about how WONDERMIND came about.
Gomez: “It honestly stemmed from a conversation we both had with each other. It was about our journeys and we ended up relating a lot to each other, and it was a turning point and I think it was about ‘how can we do that for other people?'”. “It really just stemmed from us wanting to help other moms and daughters to have real open and honest conversations and that turned into this.”.
Teefey: “When we were exploring new avenues of how to continue the mother-daughter component and really just trying to create family support amongst the conversations that you can do it together as a family, was really the message behind that. We realized that there’s not just one place that you can go to help you explore whatever you’re feeling. So what we did is – since we’re not doctors – we are our audience, we are our consumer. So what we wanted to do is build this world with several different pillars: Content, Tilm, TV, Podcasts, Product, and by the requests of the audience that is avid readers of Wondermind, we will be launching an app coming really soon. It’s gonna change the game on how we execute and how people can practice their mental fitness, without feeling like they’re putting the time.”.
“The top three reasons people don’t do therapy is they don’t have the time, they don’t have the insurance or they don’t believe it works.”.
Gomez is asked about the moment she decided to talk about her mental health.
Gomez: “I work in the weirdest industry and I just felt I didn’t fit in. My mom was very vocal and open about how she and I were feeling. We watchinged Girl, Interrupted when I was 12 and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s what rehab looks like!’, and was confused by it. And then we had one of the most honest conversations that allowed me not to be scared. You can’t force someone to do it. There’s a lot of people who cared about me more than I cared about myself. I had to hit my rock bottom and at my time. It took a couple tries. I like to think that I’m in a much better place now.”.
Gomez also talks about feeling a huge weight lifted off her shoulders after releasing her 2022 Documentary My Mind & Me.
Gomez: “I released a Documentary and I was terrified to do it. I went back and forth on whether I’d do it or not. I think the moment I did that, I felt an insane amount of release because there wasn’t any hiding anymore. There wasn’t just this image that people could see. I can say it’s helped release a lot of anxiety of keeping it in, just to let people know I’m having a hard day or I just need a minute.”.
Gomez also talks about grappling with the concept of being kind to oneself.
Gomez: “It’s important to speak to yourself with kindness and I don’t think I really understood that. It’s funny because all the things I was bitching about back then, I’m so grateful for now. It’s really ironic. I think it’s taught me a lot about myself. It’s weird being able to see myself so long ago saying those things that I would never say to myself now.”.
The audience were encouraged as a take away to look within at three Ws in their own lives – to continue reflecting on these, building upon them and continuing to seek inspiration and share with others:
WISH – something that you wish for yourself, something you’d like to try to do, a goal you’d like to set.
WONDER – something that you can be curious about. A question you can ask yourself, non-judgmentally reflective. Something that’s going to inspire you, move you forward.
WIN – what’s something you’re doing well? Something you’re proud of. Something you want to keep
doing.
The Panel will be available on-demand. More here.
Check out the first look at season three of the acclaimed Original comedy series, “Only Murders in the Building.” This first teaser shows a sneak peek at guest star and Oscar®-winner Meryl Streep in the new season, coming soon to Disney+.
Murders? In the building? Groundbreaking. Meryl Streep joins #OnlyMurdersInTheBuilding Season 3. 🏙 pic.twitter.com/crmvWLiEmy
— Disney+ Canada 🇨🇦 (@DisneyPlusCA) March 12, 2023
From the minds of Steve Martin, Dan Fogelman and John Hoffman comes a comedic murder-mystery series for the ages. “Only Murders in the Building” follows three strangers (Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez) who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one. When a grisly death occurs inside their exclusive Upper West Side apartment building, the trio suspects murder and employs their precise knowledge of true crime to investigate the truth. As they record a podcast of their own to document the case, the three unravel the complex secrets of the building which stretch back years. Perhaps even more explosive are the lies they tell one another. Soon, the endangered trio comes to realize a killer might be living amongst them as they race to decipher the mounting clues before it’s too late.
“Only Murders in the Building” hails from co-creators and writers Steve Martin and John Hoffman (“Grace & Frankie,” “Looking”). Martin and Hoffman executive produce along with Martin Short, Selena Gomez, “This Is Us” creator Dan Fogelman and Jess Rosenthal. The series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.
We love Selena Gomez, and can’t wait to see this new Documentary all about her inspiring journey to this new phase in her life and career after several well-documented battles.
Synopsis:
After years in the limelight, Selena Gomez achieves unimaginable stardom. But just as she reaches a new peak, an unexpected turn pulls her into darkness. This uniquely raw and intimate documentary spans her six-year journey into a new light.
SELENA GOMEZ: MY MIND & ME arrives November 4, 2022 on Apple TV+.
(Photo/video credit: Apple TV+)
Selena Gomez fans won’t want to miss this! Her upcoming Documentary, SELENA GOMEZ: MY MIND & ME is directed by Alk Keshishian, who brought us iconic MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE and it arrives on Apple TV+ November 4, 2022.
Synopsis:
After years in the limelight, Selena Gomez achieves unimaginable stardom. But just as she reaches a new peak, an unexpected turn pulls her into darkness. This uniquely raw and intimate documentary spans her six-year journey into a new light.
As a recording artist, Gomez has sold more than 210 million singles worldwide and amassed over 45 billion global streams of her music. This year, she received a Grammy nomination for her first all-Spanish EP and an Emmy nomination for her role in the critically acclaimed series “Only Murders in the Building,” in which she stars opposite Steve Martin and Martin Short.
Alek Keshishian directed the most successful documentary of its time – the iconic, critically acclaimed film “Madonna: Truth or Dare,” still regarded as one of the most influential films of its genre.
This film marks the second project for Apple with producers Lighthouse Management + Media and Interscope Films following their collaboration on the Emmy Award-nominated documentary “Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry.”
Follow @AppleTVPlus to join the conversation on social and get updates on #MyMindAndMe.
We know how much you loved the first season, so it’s a treat that Season Two of ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING is already back! Here’s a glimpse of the new Teaser Trailer!
Synopsis:
Following the shocking death of Arconia Board President Bunny Folger, Charles (Steve Martin, “Father Of The Bride”), Oliver (Martin Short, “The Morning Show”) & Mabel (Selena Gomez, “The Dead Don’t Die”), race to unmask her killer. However, three (unfortunate) complications ensue – the trio is publicly implicated in Bunny’s homicide, they are now the subjects of a competing podcast, and they have to deal with a bunch of New York neighbors who all think they committed murder.
ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING arrives June 28, 2022 on Disney+.
(Photo/video credit: Disney)
Selena Gomez x Coldplay team-up on new Single “Let Somebody Go“. The beautiful clip is directed by Dave Meyers (Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits”). See the new Video below:
The Track is from Coldplay’s latest Album “Music of the Spheres”, available now via Warner Music.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Music Canada)
The Trailer has arrived for eagerly-awaited STAR series ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING and it looks really fun!
Synopsis:
From the minds of Steve Martin, Dan Fogelman and John Hoffman, “Only Murders In The Building” follows three strangers (Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez) who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one. When a grisly death occurs inside their exclusive Upper West Side apartment building, the trio suspects murder and employs their precise knowledge of true crime to investigate the truth. As they record a podcast of their own to document the case, the three unravel the complex secrets of the building which stretch back years. Perhaps even more explosive are the lies they tell one another. Soon, the endangered trio comes to realize a killer might be living amongst them as they race to decipher the mounting clues before it’s too late.
ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING arrives on STAR on Disney+ August 31, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Disney)
I had my reservations about this, but actually found it very enjoyable. SELENA + CHEF debuted August 2020 on HBO Max (and on Crave in Canada with the HBO add-on), the Series taking the highly-likable Selena Gomez on a new journey each episode as she gets mentored by a top chef virtually.
While we didn’t expect a second season this soon, it’s already here before us and though we’re waiting on some of the heavier hitters to begin production again amidst this Pandemic, this serves as lighthearted educational fun in the meantime.
International superstar Gomez‘s cooking knowledge self-admittedly isn’t very advanced and that’s fine as she often asks honest questions and shows her limitations, which get corrected on-screen, i.e. her chopping skills are anxiety-inducing at times. There’s something to take away here every episode no matter if you’re a novice or a pro in the kitchen as these celebrity Chefs open-up and give us some real pro tips. Not every creation lands like it should, but we learn how to do it better next time and that’s a refreshing way to present cooking.
See a Highlight Reel of her knifing skills. You’ll see!
At the end of each episode, Gomez ties-in each episode with a charitable donation on her part to a charity of the Chef’s choice and sometimes genuinely is overcome with emotion hearing why the charity is important. An example of this is Chefs Jon & Vinny supporting the NAACP, an organization which is doing work that is relevant especially in a post-#BlackLivesMatter landscape. This any many other genuine moments where Gomez is being her authentic self.
The Series is filled with many little joys and unscripted surprises. We get to make Tacos with Roy Choi and Taylor Swift appears on the phone! OMG. Some Asparagus literally catches on fire in the oven. Terrifying. One Chef, Angelo Sosa insists she mix white chocolate into her Guacamole. “This isn’t my vibe”, she apologizes and she is honest she didn’t like it. Good for her.
Part of what makes the dynamic fun is that Gomez is quarantining with her maternal grandparents, her grandpa or “Papa” as she calls him, is unrelentingly tough on her. Her best friends Liz and Raquelle also are rooming with her and are her Taste Testers and ad-hoc Sous Chefs, who sometimes make matters worse, but it’s all in good fun!
A diverse array of upcoming guests on Season 2 of the Series include Curtis Stone, Kelis (yes, “Milkshake” Kelis!) and more.
See the Trailer below:
We’re actually excited to continue with this and definitely have time in our day for this. New episodes to arrive weekly on Thursday.
(Photo/video credit: HBO Max)
Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a Pizza Movie Night with THE BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY! One winner will win a $40 PANAGO Gift Card and Digital Download of the Film, directed by Natalie Krinsky and produced by Selena Gomez. There will be runner-up prizes where you also could win a free Digital Download as well!
Synopsis:
What if you saved a souvenir from every relationship you’ve ever been in? THE BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY follows the always unique Lucy (Geraldine Viswanathan), a 20-something art gallery assistant living in New York City, who also happens to be an emotional hoarder. After she gets dumped by her latest boyfriend, Lucy is inspired to create The Broken Heart Gallery, a pop-up space for the items love has left behind. Word of the gallery spreads, encouraging a movement and a fresh start for all the romantics out there, including Lucy herself.
We adored this Film. Our Review can be found here.
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below or share this Post on Facebook for an extra chance!
Enter for a chance to #win a Pizza Movie Night with THE BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY and @Panago_Pizza!
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) November 23, 2020
Details: https://t.co/nPSO1LrkTt pic.twitter.com/qBz9X2fjuy
You also can enter on Instagram!
Rules and regulations here.
Elevation Pictures release THE BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY on Digital and On-Demand Tuesday, November 24, 2020.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
With some movie theatres set to open as soon as this Friday, one Toronto-made production is set to ring-in a return to the cinemas!
Synopsis:
What if you saved a souvenir from every relationship you’ve ever been in? The Broken Hearts Gallery follows the always unique Lucy (Geraldine Viswanathan), a 20-something art gallery assistant living in New York City, who also happens to be an emotional hoarder. After she gets dumped by her latest boyfriend, Lucy is inspired to create The Broken Heart Gallery, a pop-up space for the items love has left behind. Word of the gallery spreads, encouraging a movement and a fresh start for all the romantics out there, including Lucy herself.
The romantic comedy stars Geraldine Viswanathan, Dacre Montgomery, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Molly Gordon, Phillipa Soo, Suki Waterhouse, Arturo Castro and Bernadette Peters. The film is produced and financed by No Trace Camping’s David Gross and executive produced by Selena Gomez, Mandy Teefey, Jesse Shapira, Jeff Arkuss, Josh Clay Phillips, Mason Novick and Michelle Knudsen. The film was shot in 2019 in Toronto and New York City, produced with the participation of Telefilm Canada and Ontario Creates. Sony Pictures will release in the US.
(Photo credit: Elevation Pictures)
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com