Noelle Joy Sorenson, the driving force behind the acclaimed short film “HeArT,” has swiftly become a symbol of first-time filmmaking success for women in the movie industry. Noelle’s hit project has been making waves in film festivals across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas—garnering over 50 selections and nominations, with multiple awards, ranging from Best Director to Best Actress.
Her passion for storytelling also carries into her educational company for children, One World Learning (O.W.L.), a company supporting children—with a holistic and creative approach for Childhood Education—to become successful, confident and high academic achievers.
“HeArT” has captivated audiences and juries worldwide.
For Sorenson, this film is more than an artistic endeavor; it’s a culmination of a lifetime spent mastering various forms of artistic expression.
Creating “HeArT” was a leap of faith for Noelle. The film, which she wrote, directed, and starred in, was a deeply personal project. Its success on the festival circuit is a testament to her storytelling prowess and her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. The film’s themes of love, loss, and healing resonate universally, making it a festival favorite.
The film captures the rollercoaster of emotions in a relationship between artist “Shane” (Josh Berresford) and his love interest “Naomi” (Sorenson). Set over 24 hours in Naomi’s bedroom, the film intricately explores passion, anger, and love, leaving the audience questioning the line between reality and perception.
She was inspired to create her first film after going to a short film festival held by actors for actors. She realized, “I can do this.” She immediately began writing a script, and even had a few coaching sessions with “Rock of Ages” creator, Kristin Hangi and actor/creator and Juilliard professor, Jessica Blank.
Noelle began writing “HeArT” in the fall of 2021, as the pandemic was settling down. She wrote with production in mind, determined that she would be able to shoot this. She reconnected with her filmmaker friend, who encouraged her to make the film herself, direct it, edit it, and act. He told her she had to start. So she did.
She says, “Every step was frightening, but as I continued on the path, I relied on inner wisdom through meditation and prayer to keep me going.”
Josh Berresford, the NYC-based actor known for his role in “Dante’s Cove,” delivers a captivating performance as Shane. His portrayal won him three best actor awards, and he describes working on “HeArT” as one of his most fulfilling roles, praising Sorenson’s collaborative spirit and professionalism.
Cinematographer Toru Nishikubo, with his background in documentary and narrative films, found Sorenson’s fearless expression and positive energy crucial in enhancing his work. His collaboration with Sorenson highlights the blend of experienced insight and fresh vision that characterizes “HeArT.”
Zach Travis, the film’s sound director during production, and Steve Boghossian, editor and VFX supervisor, echoed similar sentiments. Their experiences with Sorenson were marked by her quick learning, kindness, and unwavering passion. Boghossian, in particular, noted her eagerness to understand the technical aspects of filmmaking.
Noelle’s artistic journey began in New York, where, as a two-year-old, she sang and danced on school desks for her grandmother’s students. This early exposure to performance art laid the foundation for her multifaceted career. With a vocal scholarship under David Sorin Collyer and dance scholarships in hip-hop and jazz, her childhood was a tapestry of musical and rhythmic exploration.
Her foray into dance and acting was marked by rigorous training and passionate performances. She was part of the Tarrytown Dance Troupe and trained at Broadway Dance Centre, where she was affectionately termed “strange and wonderful” by Vop Jazz pioneer Frank Hatchett. Her acting pursuits were equally serious, with studies at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and Strasberg, among others.
Noelle’s artistic evolution saw her transitioning from a punk band performer in CBGB’s to a freelance artist. She graced MTV videos (Jadakiss, Maino) and indie films, slowly gravitating towards a more prominent role in film and television. Her experiences on sets like HBO’s “Show Me A Hero” and Marvel’s “Luke Cage” offered a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking, fueling her passion for the craft.
Her education in filmmaking was as diverse as her career. From masterclasses at Tribeca Film Festival to studying directors like Bergman and Hitchcock through an MIT course, Noelle’s understanding of cinema was comprehensive. This knowledge, combined with her enthusiasm, set the stage for her directorial debut with “HeArT.”
Simultaneous to her film journey, Noelle’s passion for education led to the founding of her company, ONE WORLD LEARNING (O.W.L.). Here, she combines her artistic background with innovative teaching methods. Specializing in early intervention, as well as specific reading methodologies for older children, Noelle has become a beacon of hope for children with developmental challenges, particularly those with Dyslexia, Autism, and ADHD, as well as Early Intervention Education.
At O.W.L., Noelle’s approach to teaching is unique. She believes in the power of storytelling and creativity to inspire and educate. Her methods are not just about imparting knowledge but about nurturing confidence and curiosity in young minds. This approach has proven effective, with numerous success stories of children overcoming their learning obstacles, no longer needing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and becoming superstars themselves in their academic endeavors.
Today, Noelle Joy Sorenson stands as a figure of inspiration in both filmmaking and education. With her new television series, “Dead X,” in the works, she continues to push the boundaries of storytelling. In education, her goal to expand O.W.L.’s reach and impact remains steadfast. She is committed to shaping the minds of the next generation, just as she shapes narratives in her films.
Reflecting on her journey, Noelle shares, “Each step in my career, whether it was a dance step, a line in a script, or a lesson plan, has been about connecting with people in order to make life a bit better. In filmmaking, I seek to touch hearts, and in teaching, I aim to open minds. It’s about making a difference, one story, one child at a time.”
Noelle’s story is a remarkable narrative of passion, perseverance, and versatility. As a filmmaker and educator, Noelle continues to inspire, proving that with talent, determination, and heart, it’s possible to make a big difference in the lives of others.
For more information about Noelle Joy Sorenson and her upcoming projects, please visit her website.
Published by: Martin De Juan
