LEAN INTO FEAR follows the journey of Symone Fairchild, who grew up learning Northern Shaolin Kung-Fu and became a Master in 2022. She is an actress, writer and director, using her life and creative and artistic platform to propel her activism globally. We walk a mile in her daily life as a single mother to an exuberant son, William. The story is guided by a video interview between Symone and Stephanie, whose beautiful soul has since passed on as a result of chronic stress from domestic violence.
THE SEED (ACT I)
Stephanie speaks of her DV experience and leads into interviewing Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris, Former Surgeon General of California and award-winning scientist. She sheds light on Adverse Childhood Experiences and how, from conception, we are exposed to factors within the womb which program us for abuse/trauma. The next interview features Kandee Lewis, award-winning CEO of the Positive Results Center and a DV/SA Prevention Advocate who specializes in trauma and teen dating violence. Alongside this is a table talk with mothers and teenagers discussing generational trauma within their lives. Supporting this, is an interview with Dr. John Shieh, specializing in Stem Cell Therapy and Neurological disorders.
These interviews are supported by pictorial reenactments from Symone’s childhood in Washington D.C., a meeting with her film financier, and a counseling session with Dr. Ramani Durvasula. Symone delves into her adult DV experience, inspiring a flashback to her stay at the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission and speaking with her original case worker, Chaundra Kennedy. Symone’s soul shines as she reflects on the challenges of breaking free and rebuilding life for she and her son.
GOVERNMENT SYSTEM (ACT II)
Through the labyrinth of thriving, Symone explores the broader implications of the narcissistic judicial system, the archaic laws and how that manifests in society and builds a system for DV victims to manage NOT thrive. The following experts she interviews are: Pallavi Dhawn, Director of Domestic Violence Policy at LA City Attorney; Senator Susan Rubio, DV survivor and member of the Domestic Violence Advisory Council; Eve Sheedy, Intimate Partner Violence Consultant/Expert; and Jessica Merrill, Strategic Communications, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
Reenactments of Symone’s experience with sexual harassment in Hollywood are followed by speaking with Danielle Ross, a Film Producer, discussing DV/Trauma in Hollywood and how it affects Symone’s journey of fighting against domestic violence.
HOW TO THRIVE (ACT III)
The story will culminate with interviews with her three spiritual mentors: Dr. Enrico Melson, who specializes in Mind-Body and Integrative Medicine, Aeron Lazar and Riya Loveguard, and Cecilia Tement and with B-roll footage of Symone connecting to the earth and having a martial arts training session.
Symone’s voiceover on how the divine spark within her (that superhero within everyone) is what compelled her to allow truth to guide her and emphasize that thriving is meant for all.
We triumphantly end with brief shots of DV survivors, joyful moments from Symone and Stephanie’s interview, honoring her memory.
MISSION OF PROJECT:
1. **Raise Awareness:** The primary goal is to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of domestic abuse and the lasting trauma it inflicts on survivors. By humanizing Symone’s experience and showcasing her resilience, the documentary seeks to debunk myths and stereotypes surrounding domestic violence and trauma as a whole.
2. **Empower Survivors:** Through Symone's narrative arc, the film aims to empower survivors by demonstrating that healing is possible and that they are not alone in their struggle. It will provide resources and support networks for survivors to access help, reclaim agency over their lives and ultimately, thrive.
3. **Challenge Cultural Norms:** LEAN INTO FEAR will challenge cultural norms and attitudes that perpetuate domestic abuse and enable narcissistic behavior. By interrogating societal structures and power dynamics, it seeks to foster conversations about, for example, toxic masculinity, gender inequality, and the importance of healthy relationships.
4. **Promote Healing and Resilience:** By showcasing Symone's journey of healing and resilience, the film aims to destigmatize mental health issues and promote holistic approaches to trauma recovery. It will highlight the importance of therapy, community support, self-care practices, and spirituality in the healing and thriving process.
5. **Catalyze Social Change:** Ultimately, LEAN INTO FEAR seeks to catalyze broader social and political change by advocating for policy reforms, increased funding for support services, and a cultural shift towards empathy, compassion, and accountability.
**Stakeholders and Beneficiaries:**
1. **Survivors of Domestic Abuse:** LEAN INTO FEAR serves the interests of survivors by amplifying their voices, validating their experiences, and providing them with a platform to advocate for change. They will benefit from increased awareness, support, and access to resources.
2. **Community Organizations:** Nonprofit organizations and support groups working to end domestic violence will benefit from increased visibility and support generated by the documentary. They can use the film as a tool for education, outreach, fundraising, and empowerment.
3. **Mental Health Professionals:** Therapists, counselors, and mental health advocates will benefit from LEAN INTO FEAR's emphasis on the importance of mental health care and trauma-informed practices. It will help destigmatize seeking help and encourage more people to prioritize their mental well-being.
4. **Policy Makers and Advocacy Groups:** LEAN INTO FEAR will serve the interests of policy makers and advocacy groups by raising awareness about the need for legislative action to address domestic violence/abuse and support survivors. It can be used as evidence to support policy reforms and funding initiatives.
5. **General Public:** The broader society will benefit from LEAN INTO FEAR by fostering empathy, promoting understanding, and challenging attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate abuse and trauma. It will inspire individuals to become allies in the fight against domestic violence, abuse, and trauma, and contribute to a more compassionate and equitable society.
DIRECTOR BIO:
Symone Fairchild is an Actress, Writer, Producer acurrently in her Directorial era for her first feature documentary LEAN INTO FEAR premiering in 2026, Symone Fairchild originally hails from the Washington D.C. area and was raised in martial arts. Fairchild is the Founder and CEO of EyeOnDV, a nonprofit whose mission is eradicating domestic violence one soul at a time. Alongside her advocacy against domestic violence (DV), she interviews DV survivors, victims and reformed abusers, creating a platform for them to share their DV experiences on the EyeOnDV Youtube Channel. Symone has been featured in SHOUTOUT LA, ABC7 News, Scars of Survival Magazine, and in March 2024, was a panelist on the 4th Annual Empowerography Live Online Conference and will be be a repeat panelist this year for the 5th Anniversary of the platform, and has been a guest speaker for many podcasts, including The Hero Within Podcast, The Blessons Podcast, Women In The Arena Podcast, and more, advocating for change by sharing her story.
Lean Into Fear
- Feature Documentary
-
LEAN INTO FEAR follows the journey of Symone Fairchild, who grew up learning Northern Shaolin Kung-Fu and became a Master in 2022. She is an actress, writer and director, using her life and creative and artistic platform to propel her activism globally. We walk a mile in her daily life as a single mother to an exuberant son, William. The story is guided by a video interview between Symone and Stephanie, whose beautiful soul has since passed on as a result of chronic stress from domestic violence.
THE SEED (ACT I)
Stephanie speaks of her DV experience and leads into interviewing Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris, Former Surgeon General of California and award-winning scientist. She sheds light on Adverse Childhood Experiences and how, from conception, we are exposed to factors within the womb which program us for abuse/trauma. The next interview features Kandee Lewis, award-winning CEO of the Positive Results Center and a DV/SA Prevention Advocate who specializes in trauma and teen dating violence. Alongside this is a table talk with mothers and teenagers discussing generational trauma within their lives. Supporting this, is an interview with Dr. John Shieh, specializing in Stem Cell Therapy and Neurological disorders.
These interviews are supported by pictorial reenactments from Symone’s childhood in Washington D.C., a meeting with her film financier, and a counseling session with Dr. Ramani Durvasula. Symone delves into her adult DV experience, inspiring a flashback to her stay at the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission and speaking with her original case worker, Chaundra Kennedy. Symone’s soul shines as she reflects on the challenges of breaking free and rebuilding life for she and her son.
GOVERNMENT SYSTEM (ACT II)
Through the labyrinth of thriving, Symone explores the broader implications of the narcissistic judicial system, the archaic laws and how that manifests in society and builds a system for DV victims to manage NOT thrive. The following experts she interviews are: Pallavi Dhawn, Director of Domestic Violence Policy at LA City Attorney; Senator Susan Rubio, DV survivor and member of the Domestic Violence Advisory Council; Eve Sheedy, Intimate Partner Violence Consultant/Expert; and Jessica Merrill, Strategic Communications, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
Reenactments of Symone’s experience with sexual harassment in Hollywood are followed by speaking with Danielle Ross, a Film Producer, discussing DV/Trauma in Hollywood and how it affects Symone’s journey of fighting against domestic violence.
HOW TO THRIVE (ACT III)
The story will culminate with interviews with her three spiritual mentors: Dr. Enrico Melson, who specializes in Mind-Body and Integrative Medicine, Aeron Lazar and Riya Loveguard, and Cecilia Tement and with B-roll footage of Symone connecting to the earth and having a martial arts training session.
Symone’s voiceover on how the divine spark within her (that superhero within everyone) is what compelled her to allow truth to guide her and emphasize that thriving is meant for all.
We triumphantly end with brief shots of DV survivors, joyful moments from Symone and Stephanie’s interview, honoring her memory.
MISSION OF PROJECT:
1. **Raise Awareness:** The primary goal is to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of domestic abuse and the lasting trauma it inflicts on survivors. By humanizing Symone’s experience and showcasing her resilience, the documentary seeks to debunk myths and stereotypes surrounding domestic violence and trauma as a whole.
2. **Empower Survivors:** Through Symone's narrative arc, the film aims to empower survivors by demonstrating that healing is possible and that they are not alone in their struggle. It will provide resources and support networks for survivors to access help, reclaim agency over their lives and ultimately, thrive.
3. **Challenge Cultural Norms:** LEAN INTO FEAR will challenge cultural norms and attitudes that perpetuate domestic abuse and enable narcissistic behavior. By interrogating societal structures and power dynamics, it seeks to foster conversations about, for example, toxic masculinity, gender inequality, and the importance of healthy relationships.
4. **Promote Healing and Resilience:** By showcasing Symone's journey of healing and resilience, the film aims to destigmatize mental health issues and promote holistic approaches to trauma recovery. It will highlight the importance of therapy, community support, self-care practices, and spirituality in the healing and thriving process.
5. **Catalyze Social Change:** Ultimately, LEAN INTO FEAR seeks to catalyze broader social and political change by advocating for policy reforms, increased funding for support services, and a cultural shift towards empathy, compassion, and accountability.
**Stakeholders and Beneficiaries:**
1. **Survivors of Domestic Abuse:** LEAN INTO FEAR serves the interests of survivors by amplifying their voices, validating their experiences, and providing them with a platform to advocate for change. They will benefit from increased awareness, support, and access to resources.
2. **Community Organizations:** Nonprofit organizations and support groups working to end domestic violence will benefit from increased visibility and support generated by the documentary. They can use the film as a tool for education, outreach, fundraising, and empowerment.
3. **Mental Health Professionals:** Therapists, counselors, and mental health advocates will benefit from LEAN INTO FEAR's emphasis on the importance of mental health care and trauma-informed practices. It will help destigmatize seeking help and encourage more people to prioritize their mental well-being.
4. **Policy Makers and Advocacy Groups:** LEAN INTO FEAR will serve the interests of policy makers and advocacy groups by raising awareness about the need for legislative action to address domestic violence/abuse and support survivors. It can be used as evidence to support policy reforms and funding initiatives.
5. **General Public:** The broader society will benefit from LEAN INTO FEAR by fostering empathy, promoting understanding, and challenging attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate abuse and trauma. It will inspire individuals to become allies in the fight against domestic violence, abuse, and trauma, and contribute to a more compassionate and equitable society.
DIRECTOR BIO:
Symone Fairchild is an Actress, Writer, Producer acurrently in her Directorial era for her first feature documentary LEAN INTO FEAR premiering in 2026, Symone Fairchild originally hails from the Washington D.C. area and was raised in martial arts. Fairchild is the Founder and CEO of EyeOnDV, a nonprofit whose mission is eradicating domestic violence one soul at a time. Alongside her advocacy against domestic violence (DV), she interviews DV survivors, victims and reformed abusers, creating a platform for them to share their DV experiences on the EyeOnDV Youtube Channel. Symone has been featured in SHOUTOUT LA, ABC7 News, Scars of Survival Magazine, and in March 2024, was a panelist on the 4th Annual Empowerography Live Online Conference and will be be a repeat panelist this year for the 5th Anniversary of the platform, and has been a guest speaker for many podcasts, including The Hero Within Podcast, The Blessons Podcast, Women In The Arena Podcast, and more, advocating for change by sharing her story.