The Difference

Brianne Berkson, Miguel Gluckstern

How do we make sure our children live and thrive rather than struggle to survive? What can we do to make a difference?

This film contains verbal references to sensitive topics, including trauma and incarceration, which some viewers may find upsetting. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health distress, talk to a licensed therapist. For a mental health emergency, call the NAMI Helpline or call or text 988 for immediate support.

Why we chose this film.

This film illustrates the power of music, movement, and mindfulness to help young people experience less fear, stress, and loneliness in the modern world.

Filmmaker

Inspiration

When we knew we’d be parents, we immediately wondered what we could do to make a meaningful difference in our child’s life, ensuring she thrive rather than struggle to survive. The Holistic Life Foundation, since 2001, brings yoga, mindfulness and empowerment to the communities they serve, comprised mainly of children. Although faced with difficult often traumatic circumstances, the children learn to find solace and meaningful connection within themselves and others, gaining invaluable tools for life. Through our journey and the impact of the Holistic Life Foundation, “The Difference” nurtures more love and meaningful connection within individuals, within communities and throughout the world.

Meet the Filmmaker

Brianne Berkson (Gluckstern)

Co-Writer / Director / Producer / Editor / Composer

Brianne Berkson (Gluckstern)

Co-Writer / Director / Producer / Editor / Composer

Brianne Berkson, born in NYC and Miguel Gluckstern, born in Germany and raised in Spain, are BriGuel, a duo on a mission to harmonize humanity through film and music. Descendants of Holocaust Survivors, we met while writing / directing / producing Fly Away (Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner) in 2016 and haven’t left each other’s side since. We celebrate and inspire diversity every day, bringing together different cultures, genres and styles through the most inspiring mediums in the world: film and music. In 2020 our award-winning documentary short The Difference (Tribeca Film Festival, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, Cinequest) premiered and continues to screen at 30+ festivals globally. Our award-winning follow-up project Baby’s Phoney Friend (Hollyshorts, Raindance) released in 2021, and in 2023 we premiered 2 documentaries, How I Roll (DWF:NY) and Boy on the Run: An Extraordinary Journey of Survival (Miami Jewish Film Festival; and Best Documentary at Boca Raton International Jewish Film Festival). In 2024 we had the great privilege of creating The HeART of Democracy for All Arts / WNET; as well as a documentary short for an esteemed Organization, IL-USDocAid. In addition, we operate a full service Production company, BriGuel, that has the great honor of servicing clients with their film and music needs. From concept to delivery, we write, direct, produce, edit and compose music for the majority of our projects. Currently we’re in post-production for our documentary feature, Becoming Ap(Parent); working on impactful client projects; and raising our 2 beautiful daughters in NY. 

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