Voorhees resident Queen Stewart has brought a powerful story to the big screen.
The 39-year-old is a breast cancer survivor turned filmmaker whose documentary, “Sense of Urgency,” has been selected to screen at the prestigious Garden State Film Festival next month. The film chronicles Stewart’s life-changing battle with Stage 3 breast cancer and the journey that followed.
Before her diagnosis, Stewart was a high-powered attorney, balancing the demands of a successful law career with family life. But cancer, as she puts it, “Changed my life – in many ways for the better.” The diagnosis at age 35 shattered Stewart’s world, but through it all, she found a newfound appreciation for life’s simple joys.
“With every arduous treatment cycle, something inside me shifted,” she recalled. “The things that once seemed so vital paled in comparison to my children’s laughter, my husband’s embrace, the beauty of a sunrise after a long night.
“I realized I had been sprinting through life checking boxes, yet missing the entire purpose.”
When she emerged cancer-free, Stewart felt a calling to inspire others. She launched Create Urgency, an initiative focused on motivating individuals to find joy in the present. Through comedy, transformative retreats and motivational talks, Stewart spreads a message of resilience, laughter and purpose.
“Her mission is clear: “Don’t sleepwalk through the precious gift of life. Seize each moment, reclaim your joy and chase the dreams that give you wings before they slip through your fingers.”
The “Sense of Urgency” documentary is an extension of that mission, capturing Stewart’s personal struggles with unflinching honesty and a touch of humor.
“My breast cancer diagnosis highlighted the fragile nature of life,” she explained. “It opened my mind to wonder, create and live. I hope viewers feel inspired to find and keep joy in their lives. That is what makes living so beautiful.”
Reaction to the film is particularly meaningful to Stewart.
“This (film festival) recognition means everything to me,” she acknowledged. “It means that my message is clear, inspiring and everlasting. My story of triumph and perseverance was made to uplift and also to bring comedic relief.
“We can all use a bit of uplifting, especially in these times.”
“Sense of Urgency” will screen on Saturday, March 29, at various film festival venues around Cranford and Asbury Park. Stewart believes her story will resonate with people from all walks of life, whether affected by cancer or not.
“It is motivating,” she emphasized, “real and, at times, very funny.”
To learn more about Queen Stewart and her film, visit www.createurgency.net or follow her on Instagram (@createurgency) and TikTok (@createurgency).
For information on the film festival, visit https://createurgency.net/art-event/garden-state-film-festival-2/.
