Sensitive Men Rising – the Documentary first came to our attention when we wrote about Luke Goss being a Highly Sensitive Person. At the time, we didn’t find any information regarding when it was set to launch.
But now we know more. And in this long post, we’re sharing everything you need to know about Sensitive Men Rising.
About The Premiere
The Sensitive Men Rising Documentary will first show on Sunday, July 16, 2023. The launch will be at a gala event hosted at The Hibernia in San Francisco. And the doors will open at 1 pm PST and close at 6 pm.
If you would love to support the Sensitive Men Rising documentary by attending its premiere, tickets are available through a small donation on Eventbrite.
And if you would like to attend but can’t make it to San Francisco, the documentary will stream live during its launch.
Here’s How to Get Your Tickets:
- If you’ll be attending physically, Get Your Tickets Here.
- Can’t Make it to San Francisco? Register Here to Watch the Livestream.
Watch the documentary’s official trailer:
About the July 8 SMR Community Conversation
In preparation for the premiere of Sensitive Men Rising – the documentary, there was an online community conversation held on Saturday, July 8th, 2023.
The Sensitive Men Rising conversation discussed the upcoming documentary, answered questions from the audience, invited people to share their experiences, and received support from different parts of the world.
And while the conversation stemmed from the upcoming SMR documentary, everyone was welcome to join and share their story.
Watch the recording here or below if you missed your chance to participate. The Sensitive Men Rising conversation was a one-hour online event, and it took place on July 8th, starting at 10.00 am PDT.
Panellists of the Sensitive Men Rising Conversation
You may find the following names familiar. And that’s because they are HSP experts we have repeatedly mentioned here on HSP Tools and earlier on this page.
They include the following:
1. Tracy Cooper, PhD
As a Highly Sensitive Man, writer, educator, and researcher for Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) and High Sensation Seeking (HSS), Tracy Cooper is one of the organizers of this event. He has also been part of the production team for Sensitive Men Rising.
2. Brian Torres
A psychotherapist and consultant based in Los Angeles, California, Brian Torres is one of the HSP experts sharing insights in the documentary and facilitating this Sensitive Men Rising conversation.
3. Greg Johnson
An American jazz composer, pianist, instructor, music, film, and event producer, Greg Johnson is one of the composers and co-producers in Sensitive Men Rising. And as an HSP himself, he was one of the panellists in the online conversation.
4. Alane Freund
As an International Consultant for HSPs and creator of numerous Sensitivity communities and online programs, Alane Freund is another facilitator in this free event for sensitive men and allies. You will notice her from her profile as the creator of the listing on Eventbrite.
Watch the recording here to learn more about this July 8th Sensitive Men Rising conversation.
P.S.: The Sensitive Men Rising documentary will not have a recording available immediately. So if you really want to see it, the premiere is the right time to see it.
What is the Sensitive Men Rising Documentary?
First-of-its-kind, the Sensitive Men Rising documentary is a film for and about Highly Sensitive Men (HSMs). It features interviews and personal stories of different sensitive men worldwide.
The documentary borrows inspiration from Sensitive – the Untold Story, a film about the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) featuring award-winning musician Alanis Morissette and HSP pioneer Dr. Elaine N. Aron.
The Sensitive Men Rising documentary aims to charter a new course for future conversations about masculinity.
It hopes to challenge societal and traditional norms about sensitive men that are backward and baseless. And to show that the benefits of accepting and leveraging sensitivity in men outweigh the challenges.
To support the documentary, send your donation via Eventbrite for a spot to watch the premiere in person or online. The suggested donation is between $20 and $50, but you can donate as much or less as you can afford.
Sensitive Men Rising aims to achieve the following:
- Shatter Myths: Using over 25 years of High Sensitivity research, Sensitive Men Rising will demystify myths, misconceptions, sayings and stereotypes linked to highly sensitive men.
- Acknowledge the suffering and bliss of Highly Sensitive Men: We live in a world full of perceptions on how a man should be and act. This documentary will show the ups and downs in the path of sensitive men towards self-discovery and acceptance.
- Recognize the neurological and cognitive impacts of High Sensitivity in men: How does being a Highly Sensitive Person affect you as a man? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Sensitive Men Rising will answer these questions and more.
Who will feature in Sensitive Men Rising – the Documentary?
The Sensitive Men Rising documentary has to be one of the most comprehensive films about the trait of High Sensitivity. Even more than Sensitive – the Untold Story, based on the number of participants in the documentary.
And we will try to list as many contributors to this film as we currently know. Which, if our presumption is correct, is fewer than what you can expect in the actual documentary.
Production Team in the Sensitive Men Rising Documentary
1. William Allen
With over 30 years of experience, Will Harper is the award-winning director behind the 2015 documentary, Sensitive- the Untold Story. His career has produced and directed beautiful works for notable figures, including Oprah Winfrey, Lenny Kravitz, the late Nelson Mandela, Jamie Foxx, Clint Eastwood, and the late Gina Lopez.And now Will Harper is the director of Sensitive Men Rising – the documentary.
2. Dr. Tracy Cooper
An author, professor, researcher and international consultant on High Sensory Intelligence, Dr. Tracy Cooper is not new to the HSP space. He has authored several books on High Sensitivity, including Thrill: The High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person and Empowering the Sensitive Male Soul.
He and Will Harper are the main people bringing the Sensitive Men Rising documentary to life.
HSP Experts in the Sensitive Men Rising Documentary
1. Ted Zeff, PhD
The Sensitive Men Rising documentary is partly dedicated to the late Dr. Ted Zeff. He was a notable figure in the HSP space as a Therapist, Author and Advocate. He authored several books on High Sensitivity, including The Strong Sensitive Boy: Help Your Son Become a Happy, Confident Man.
And as part of the dedication, Sensitive Men Rising will share exclusive interviews by the late Ted Zeff that have never been broadcasted.
2. Dr. Elaine N. Aron
Elaine N. Aron, PhD, is the pioneer of Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) – the trait we now simply call High Sensitivity or Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). She’s an author, psychologist, and researcher specializing in Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) since 1999.
Visit her website at hsperson.com to learn more about the HSP trait and the resources she offers.
3. Dr. Arthur Aron:
Dr. Arthur Aron is a leading scientist on love and relationships, and he’s the life and professional partner to Dr. Elaine N. Aron. Arthur pioneered brain imaging of love and you may know him from 36 Questions That Lead to Love – now available worldwide as a game.
Dr. Arthur Aron has worked side-by-side with Dr. Elaine Aron on her work for the Highly Sensitive Person.
4. Dr. Bianca Acevedo
An internationally recognized researcher and expert in the trait of High Sensitivity, Dr. Bianca Acevedo will feature as an expert in Sensitive Men Rising – the documentary. Just as she did with Sensitive – the untold story.
Bianca Acevedo is the author of The Highly Sensitive Brain, “the first handbook to cover the science, measurement, and clinical discussion of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS)“.
5. Tom Falkenstein
Another expert featured in Sensitive Men Rising is Tom Falkenstein – a UK-based Author, Psychologist and Psychotherapist specializing in Highly Sensitive People. He is also the author of The Highly Sensitive Man: Finding Strength in Sensitivity.
6. Dr Michael Pluess
A Psychologist and Professor in developmental psychology, Dr. Michael Pluess specializes in answering questions related to Environmental Sensitivity. He is the person behind the Sensitivity Research website, and he will feature as a Sensory Processing Sensitivity expert in this new documentary.
7. Martin and Lise August
As Psychologists and Psychotherapists based in Denmark, Martin and Lise August are the creators of Sensitive Balance. They will be sharing their expertise and experience in Sensitive Men Rising.
8. Brian Torress, LMFT
A Psychotherapist and consultant based in Los Angeles, California, specializing in working with Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ folks in his clinical practice.
9. Jacquelyn Strickland
Licensed Professional Counselor working exclusively with Highly Sensitive People since 2001. She’s also behind the annual HSP Gathering Retreats started in partnership with Dr. Elaine N. Aron.
Interviewees in the Sensitive Men Rising Documentary
1. Peter Coyote
Peter Coyote is an award-winning actor, narrator, writer, Buddhist Priest, singer-songwriter and guitarist. He is the author of two memoirs: Sleeping Where I Fall and The Rainman’s Third Cure, as well as other books.
And while Peter Coyote wasn’t on the original list of sensitive men to appear in the Sensitive Men Rising documentary, a post by Dr. Tracy Cooper on Instagram confirms him as the latest inclusion.
Here is the post:
2. Luke Goss
Known as one-half of the British boy band Bros, Luke Goss is now an artist, author, actor, musician and filmmaker. He is the author of I Owe You Nothing– a London bestselling autobiography, and Desert Conversation – a soul-searching memoir.
And as an actor, he is known for his roles as Nomak in Blade II and Prince Nuada in Hellboy II.
Luke Goss will be sharing his story in the Sensitive Men Rising documentary and his song Free is the official soundtrack for this documentary.
3. Scott Barry Kaufman
Scott Barry Kaufman is a scientist, author, podcaster, keynote speaker, and science writer.
He is the host of The Psychology Podcast, author and editor of 10+ books, and his writing has appeared in Psychology Today, Harvard Business Review, Scientific American, and more.
Dr. Kaufman is the author of Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization, and Choose Growth – a workbook for transcending trauma, fear, and self-doubt.
He will be offering insight into the HSP trait in men through an interview session on the Sensitive Men Rising documentary.
4. Harold Charles
Born and raised in Haiti, Harold Charles is an appointed Parliament Officer by the British Govern of Turks and Caicos Islands. He attributes his appointment and success to his sensitivity to the needs of people.
And as one of the featured interviews in the Sensitive Men Rising documentary, Harold will be sharing his ability to synthesize, integrate, and apply the strengths of sensitivity to better his life and that of others.
5. Dr. Saamdu Chetri
Born in a cowshed in rural Bhutan and nicknamed a Happiness Guru by the BBC, Dr. Saamdu Chetri is the former Executive Director and Minister of Gross National Happiness in Bhutan.
He is also the author of How to Bring Up Happy Children and Tashi: A Gross National Happiness Journal.
In the Sensitive Men Rising documentary, Dr. Chetri will share his emotional and inspiring life story of trials and tribulations. And his story will illuminate the essence of differential susceptibility and emotional sensitivity.
6. Boy Abunda
Known as Asia’s King of Talk, Boy Abunda is the male Oprah of the Philippines. He is the number one Talk Show host, a Filipino professor, Publicist, and Talent Manager.
But his journey to the top has not been easy.
Boy Abunda grew up gay and Highly Sensitive in a poor region in the Philippines. And these two shunned elements of his life made him an easy target for frequent bullying and rejection.
Now in the Sensitive Men Rising documentary, Boy Abunda will share how his HSP trait helped him to persevere, understand negative complexities, and survive in the industry.
7. John Hughes
John Hughes is a successful IT executive, author, and speaker. In 2020, he worked alongside Dr. Elaine N. Aron and Dr. Tracy Cooper to facilitate the first-ever seminar for Highly Sensitive Men.
John believes that while Highly Sensitive Men aren’t superior, they make the best leaders. And he will be sharing 3 reasons why he believes this in the Sensitive Men Rising documentary.
Highly sensitive men are not more superior than other men. We just lead with vulnerability, and that ain’t bad!
John Hughes
8. Andy Lightfoot
Andy Lightfoot is a former Special Forces mechanic and undercover cop who held various occupations. He has worked as a conductor, engineer, crime scene technician, locomotive switchman and more.
And his experience in some of these roles as well as his HSP trait exposed him to a life of struggle with CPTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Now as an HSP/HSS man, Andy is championing the mental health and well-being of first responders and veterans.
He will be sharing his emotional and inspiring stories through hell and back in the Sensitive Men Rising documentary.
9. Andre Singleton
Currently battling Stage 4 Cancer, Andre Singleton is a multimedia artist in Oakland. He is also a former employee of Spike Lee – the award-winning director.
And as a sensitive and transgender person of colour (POC), Andre’s life story is a complex roller-coaster that will move you to tears.
He will be sharing this emotional, compelling, and complex story in the Sensitive Men Rising documentary.
10. Dr. Keith Black
In his own words, Dr. Keith Black is like a black thief in the night, sneaking into the brain to steal the tumour while leaving healthy tissue untouched. He is a practising neurosurgeon at Cedar Sinai in Los Angeles, California.
And as the author of Brain Surgeon: A Doctor’s Inspiring Encounters with Mortality and Miracles, Dr. Black invites readers into his life battling some of the deadliest and most feared tumours. And also shares his sensitive insights about the inner workings of the brain.
Dr. Keith Black will be sharing these insights and his optimism for the future in the Sensitive Men Rising documentary.
11. Marco Barruffaldi
Marco Baruffaldi is a sensitive man in a country where sensitivity is largely rejected, especially by men. He is a Nutrition Counselor and Executive Chef living in Italy.
And his story of overcoming food addictions and obesity as a young man, and helping others along the way has shown him the value of sensitivity and going against cultural norms.
Marco will be in the Sensitive Men Rising documentary discussing the difficulties of being a sensitive man in Italy and the value of sensitivity people don’t see.
12. Eliran Avni
Praised as the hope of Israeli music, Eliran Avni is a Highly Sensitive pianist on the faculty at the State University of New York.
He will be in the Sensitive Men Rising documentary discussing how performance anxiety manifests in Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) and how any performer can overcome it.
His discussion is with Dr. Elaine N. Aron – the pioneer of the HSP trait and the bestselling author of The Highly Sensitive Person.
13. Soborno Isaac Bari
Soborno Isaac Bari may be a little too young at 11 years old to be called a Highly Sensitive Man. But he is a Highly Sensitive Boy who will grow up into a successful sensitive man. And that’s why he is part of this list.
Referred to as the Einstein of our time, Soborno is the youngest professor in the world. He is the recipient of the Global Child Prodigy Award and the author of The Love – a book about the prejudice and hatred caused by religious differences.
Soborno is also a sensitive boy who processes information deeply and is overwhelmed by the impactful decisions adults are making. He will be part of the interviews in the Sensitive Men Rising documentary.
Wow! That was a long list of people.
These are the people we could list today. They are directly related to the Sensitive Men Rising documentary as HSP experts, interviewees, or production team.
And as we mentioned earlier, these are just a few people involved. You should watch the Sensitive Men Rising documentary on July 16 for the complete experience.
Get your In-Person Tickets or Online Tickets.
How Can You Support Sensitive Men Rising?
If you are interested in supporting Sensitive Men Rising – the documentary, here are a few ways you can achieve that.
1. Spread Awareness
Share information on this upcoming documentary by posting it on the platforms you visit. Let people know what the documentary is about and when it’s going to premiere. And also where to get tickets for both events (physical and online).
2. Donate
The Sensitive Men Rising documentary is a non-profit project supporting the Foundation for the Study of Highly Sensitive Persons and Glide Memorial Church.
So if you would like to offer your support, make your donation through the tickets page on Eventbrite. A donation gives you access to the in-person attendance or live stream option.
3. Watch & Share the documentary
Sensitive Men Rising will launch on July 16, 2023. And you don’t need to be a Highly Sensitive Man to enjoy or learn from it.
After all, the documentary will also feature highly sensitive women and children. So save the date, watch it when it launches, and share it with friends, family and followers. Especially the sensitive men in your life.
Where Can You Learn More About Sensitive Men Rising?
The information on this post about Sensitive Men Rising is one of the most comprehensive posts you will find. However, to put it together, we had to go through numerous resources with more information about the documentary.
So if you are looking for more places to learn more about Sensitive Men Rising, below find a few resources.
- The Official Sensitive Men Rising Website
- Dr. Tracy Cooper’s Website
- Alane Freund’s YouTube Channel
- Alane Freund’s Newsletter (Learn more here)
- Eventbrite Ticket Page (for the in-person gala and the live stream)
Are you a Highly Sensitive Man (HSM) or know one? You will love the video below by Alane Freund.
Final Word on Sensitive Men Rising
Do you have a specific question about the Sensitive Men Rising documentary? We have covered what we thought necessary to know before the launch on July 16, 2023.
But if you have any questions regarding Sensitive Men Rising (SMR), feel free to leave a comment below. Or send us an email via our contact us page.
And if you don’t have any questions for us, we’ll see you on July 16, 2023. Virtually, though, because we are based in Kenya :).
And remember, the documentary will discuss the boy code, demystify current myths, talk about existing research, and share real-life stories of Highly Sensitive Men.
It will also demonstrate how men can embrace and leverage their High Sensitivity, even amid traditional norms of masculinity.
So save the date, and let’s meet on July 16, 2023, to watch Sensitive Men Rising – the documentary. (P.S.: A recording won’t be available anytime soon. Watch now when the world is watching.)
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