International award winning filmmaker shoots into children's books

October 15, 8:24 AMChildren's Books ExaminerLori Calabrese

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Diana Rumjahn is a self-taught artist who took to film as soon as she was able to watch television. Throughout her childhood, Rumjahn developed an appreciation for television, film, sports broadcasting productions and music. She would often sit for hours in front of the television and study every aspect of the show, especially the opening title, opening theme song, the storyline, acting, editing, cinematography, soundtrack, ending theme song and credits. Films, television shows, sports broadcasting productions and music in the 1970 and 1980's were very influential, inspiring and important for her. She would often sit in class not thinking about math, but film production.

After graduating from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor's of Art Degree in Social Science, and working at San Francisco State University for over the past 20 years, Rumjahn decided to pursue a life-long passion in film. Rumjahn produced a film titled, Going Home, and she recently turned it into a children's book titled Charlie and Mama Kyna.

The story follows a little stuffed animal frog, named Charlie who runs away in fear after accidentally breaking his mother’s favorite vase. Charlie makes his way to the city and meets a stuffed animal Lion named Leo and a stuffed animal giraffe named Joe outside Mrs. Cupcake’s Bakery. The three become best friends and live inside a little orange tent outside the bakery. After awhile, Charlie becomes homesick; misses his mother, Kyna; decides to go home and invites Leo and Joe to live with them. On the next sunny day, Charlie, Leo and Joe, journey to find Mama Kyna’s home.

Tell us about your path to film and publication.
I have always wanted to be a filmmaker and published author. After Going Home was screened around the world, I felt that publishing Charlie and Mama Kyna was my calling.

Tell us about your original motion picture "Going Home."
Going Home is a one-of-a-kind film about three stuffed animals who are homeless and journey far to find Charlie's mother. Going Home was shown worldwide including 45 film festivals and The Times British Film Institute London Film Festival. It received film awards and nominations from around the world.

What were some of the challenges of your stars being stuffed animals?
Filming can not take place when the weather is rainy and or windy. The wind will blow the stuffed animals down to the ground.

Why did you decide to bring the story to life with words and pictures in a picture book?
My film received a lot of positive comments from around the world. I decided to bring this story to life once again in a picture book so everyone can enjoy.

Where did you get the inspiration for this story?
I love stuffed animals and animals. Seeing any animal without a home is sad.

Charlie and Mama Kyna is Diana Rumjahn's first published book. You can visit Diana on the web at  www.dianarumjahn.com