We never truly experience anything in isolation — including OCD. Family members, though perhaps not the ones diagnosed with OCD, often have their own intimate journeys with the disorder and play a significant role in a loved one’s treatment. This is a story that rings true for so many in our community.
This July 8 – 10th, the International OCD Foundation will host its 27th Annual OCD Conference in Denver, Colorado, where the Kinberg family will give the keynote address. Hollywood filmmaker Simon Kinberg (The Martian, X-Men: First Class, The 355, Invasion), Dr. Mali Heled Kinberg, and sons Toby and Oliver will share their story — and the unique experience that being part of a high-profile family can have a family’s healing. Read on to learn more about our Keynote family.
Simon Kinberg
Oscar and two-time Emmy Nominee Simon Kinberg has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most prolific filmmakers, having written and produced projects for some of the most successful franchises in the modern era.
Kinberg graduated from Brown University and received his MFA from Columbia University Film School, where his thesis project was the original script, Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The film was released in 2005, starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Since then, Kinberg has written, produced and/or directed twenty-five films. He is best known for shepherding the X-Men franchise: writing, producing, and/or directing the last five X-Men films (including Logan). His other films include the Deadpool movies, Sherlock Holmes, Cinderella, Elysium, Murder on the Orient Express, and The Martian, which was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture. Kinberg has also created or produced five television shows. He also served as a consultant on Star Wars: Episode VII and Rogue One, and he was the creator of the animated show Star Wars: Rebels.
Dr. Mali Heled Kinberg
Dr. Mali Heled Kinberg is an expert in foreign film sales and distribution with decades of experience in international film finance. After obtaining her M.A and B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, Kinberg attended Cambridge University where she completed a Ph.D. in English Literature. She speaks six languages. Kinberg ran International at Mandate Pictures for eight years, overseeing the sales, financing, delivery, and foreign distribution of 12 – 15 films per year, including box-office successes Juno, The Grudge, and White Noise.
In 2008, she became Executive Vice President (EVP), Head of International at MRC where she worked on numerous notable films including Ted, Bruno, The Adjustment Bureau, and Elysium. Since 2011, Kinberg has taught a range of courses through the Producers Program at UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT). Kinberg is also a Professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and Anderson’s Summer Institute.
Kinberg has participated in PULSE Conference panels with industry leaders and storytellers on topics including the Future of Media, AR/VR, Big Data, and Women in Entertainment.
Toby Kinberg
Toby Kinberg is a rising high school junior in Los Angeles, where he plays on his school’s water polo and basketball teams. Toby has received his school’s Book Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in 2021, the Bronze Medal in the National Spanish Exam in 2020, and National Honors Recognition from Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) for exceptional performance on the SCAT exam. Last Spring, he published a children’s book entitled Meven. His inspiration for writing Meven came during the depths of quarantine when life felt scary and uncertain, and children’s mental wellness was especially at risk. Meven is a story about a young boy named Kevin who must face his fears as he battles scary monsters while climbing up Mount Meven. Toby’s hope in writing this story is to inspire readers to be able to confront their fears and overcome them. Meven is Toby’s first children’s book.
Oliver Kinberg
Oliver Kinberg is a rising seventh grader. He plays basketball and tennis, and loves the Lakers. His hobbies include Legos and playing NBA 2K and Madden. Oliver loves watching Marvel movies, all comedies, and his favorite food is sushi. He lives in Los Angeles with his mother and older brother, Toby.
The 27th Annual OCD Conference will take place July 8-10, 2022. We invite individuals and families who live with OCD, mental health professionals, and researchers to attend. Register today, and get ready to connect with and learn from others who understand.
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