This raw, introspective documentary follows a young woman facing bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. Feeling different and disconnected, she turns to rebellion and drugs, leading to legal trouble, incarceration, and suicide attempts. Through therapy, she begins to heal, ultimately finding empowerment in music and renewed purpose. The film highlights isolation, resilience, and the fight against mental-health stigma, reminding us that despite life’s imperfections, the human experience is worth embracing.
Technical details
Documentary Short - Canada - 25 minutes 3 seconds - English (With subtitles)
Cast and Credits
Director - Paul Gatto
Producer - Paul Gatto
Key Cast
Kelly Wilkes
LVFF 2026 Award Nominations
Mental Health Experience Award
Screening Details:
mental health experience. April 25th 2026. 5:00pm-10:00pm. Venue to be announced.
Director biography
- paul gatto
Since 1993, I’ve been immersed in the world of entertainment production, where my versatile experience has allowed me to thrive in high-energy environments. My credentials include serving as a talent wrangler for the glamorous Juno Awards (Canadian Music awards) and as technical support for the national Canada Day Celebration live from the capital’s Parliament Hill. With a keen eye for detail, I’ve contributed as a technical video assistant during Ottawa Senators’ hockey games aired on TSN, RDS, and ESPN. Alongside directing an engaging call-in show, and producing parliamentary video content, my commitment to service soared through during my 2016 leave from my full-time employment to volunteer as a photographer with several humanitarian NGOs in Nicaragua, reflecting my belief in the power of visual narratives to convey potent and engaging stories.