FILM
Barbara spent years as a Creative Director/Writer building iconic global brands. Life changed when she heard an NPR interview about the American cowgirl. She was so inspired by her bold, courageous spirit—a week later she was on a plane to Texas. Two months later she was driving cattle. Not long after that she was filming rodeo in Montana for her doc film, Cowgirls are Forever.
The film, still in progress, explores stories of perseverance and strength, and how these bold, courageous women of the west have shaped the history of our country, and impacted contemporary culture in art, music, literature, business, conservation, fashion, politics, agriculture, ranching and all equine sports. The project includes educational outreach and curriculum, along with a speaker series and workshop, using the principles of cowgirl spirit to inspire women and girls to live more courageously and authentically in the world. Barbara has worked with schools, museums, and leadership programs. As an advocate for empowering girls, she believes that you don’t have to own a horse to own the spirit.
Documentary film credits include, The Puzzle People: producer-writer-- a short film about humanitarian and organ transplant pioneer Dr. Thomas Starzl—Burning the Future: Coal in America: animation producer-- recipient of the International Pare Lorentz Award for best social documentary, and HBO’s Dear Talula--story consultant-- the film was shortlisted for the Academy Award. She also co-produced Songs of Odessa, a feature-length documentary about turn-of-the-century Odessa in Ukraine Russia, told through the music and life of composer David Nowakowsky.
Her love of film and story has tapped her for Board positions on The Berkshire International Film Festival, and The Berkshire Film & Media Collaborative. She was proud to be part of the think tank for the inception of The Fred Rogers Institute for Children’s Media and Education.