SPOTLIGHT ON BIPOLAR, Multi-Screening

Mood Atlas

The treatment of Bipolar Disorder often entails years of trial and error, whereby patients are required to change their medications numerous times across a lifetime—mood stabilisers, antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, anti-anxiety pills, sleeping pills, and so on. Mood Atlas is a short documentary exploring Bipolar Disorder through one man's experiences, and his search for hope in neuroscience. Shane is participating in a research study in which a team of scientists are mapping the brain, in order to better predict, diagnose and treat Bipolar Disorder. The psychological tests administered to Shane act as a device, for the film viewer, to enter Shane's psyche and his history. Within his own life they act as a means of giving him hope; people are working to better understand his condition and he can offer something to others who struggle as he does.

Directed by Mia Mullarkey

Starring Shane Hickey

Ireland

High Flying Jade

Walking the line between mindfulness and adrenaline rush, an American, bipolar, aerialist tries to reconcile her suicidal inclinations, her past life as an air traffic controller and the pressures of training for opening night at the Vietnamese circus.

High Flying Jade is the true story of a bipolar woman from Los Angeles who moved to Vietnam and joined the circus in Hồ Chí Minh City. In the US, Jade was an air traffic controller but repeated attempts at suicide culminated in hospitalization. She was eventually diagnosed and treated for bipolar disorder. Now, she tries to manage her unique brain chemistry with learned-mindfulness and focused aerial training. We meet her one week before the opening night of her first ever performance in a real, big top circus.

Directed by Katherine Sweetman

Starring Jade White

Vietnam

CrazyLove

Being in love with a woman with bipolar is many things - but it certainly isn't boring. CrazyLove is about a funny night in the life of a bipolar-infused love life.

Directed by Tara Bufton

Starring Sara Cooper, Jason Glover

Australia

Psychiatrist as Patient: Caring for the Caregiver

Psychiatrist As Patient: Caring for the Caregiver is a riveting story that sheds light on one doctor's mental health journey from secrecy and sickness to health and hope. Dr. John Budin, an esteemed New York City psychiatrist, associate professor and hospital director, steps out of the mental health closet after thirty-five years in practice: "I am a treating psychiatrist and I am also a psychiatric patient because I have Bipolar Disorder. I am a caregiver and, finally now, a care receiver engaging my true self in this world."

Directed by Stephanie Choriatis

Starring John Budin, Scott Kalish, MD, Elaine Pasqua, Anne Marie Albano, PhD, Michael Pollock

USA

Mind Mending

Filipe is only 36 when he suffers a stroke performing on stage with his heavy metal band. Believing that live music will help his recovery, and frustrated by his aphasia, a communication disorder brought on by stroke, Filipe attempts to reconnect with the world by visiting music festivals dressed as a bunny rabbit.

After showing signs of improvement, the stress and anxiety caused by his ambition plunge him into depression and epilepsy. He perseveres, but a new diagnosis of bipolar disorder lands him in hospital, following a dramatic and confusing visit to the United States.

As he learns to accept that bunny will always be with him, Filipe finally gets a grip on reality when a fresh ray of hope gives him a new perspective.

Directed by Markus Schröder

Starring Filipe Falé

UK

Bipolar X Mum

Throughout this 10 minute documentary we get a glimpse into life with Bipolar, as told by Julie. Cassandra (Director) has also incorporated her journey into the story.

Directed by Cassandra Nevin

New Zealand