How do you cope with the trauma you didn't experience? | Leah Warshawski | TEDxTwinFalls

Leah’s idea is based around her unique family history during WWII and her most recent film called BIG SONIA (www.bigsonia.com), about her 91 year-old grandmother Sonia. The film explores how “intergenerational trauma” affects families how one tiny woman is making a huge impact on future generations by promoting love over hate. Understanding Sonia’s trauma and complexities forces Leah to come to terms with her own issues and insecurities in a way that’s both relatable and universal.

Leah Warshawski lives mostly out of her suitcase. Her career began in Hawaii working in the marine department for shows like LOST and HAWAII, where she learned from some of the most experienced and humble Watermen on the planet. Her first feature film, FINDING HILLYWOOD profiles the burgeoning film industry in Rwanda and screened at more than 70 film festivals around the world. In tandem with the film’s release, she co-founded rwandafilm.org a “LinkedIn” for Rwandan filmmakers to help find work in the industry, supported by Bpeace and The Academy of Motion Pictures. Leah’s most recent documentary is more personal, and features her 91-year old grandmother Sonia – “national treasure”, Holocaust survivor, and Diva. Leah’s personal journey is the inspiration for her TedX Talk and the idea that we’re all a part of the “Survival Generation.” Leah values authenticity, loyalty, grit, and gratitude. When she’s not on a plane, you can find her sitting in patch of sunlight, dreaming of whales.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx