Trust Me

Animated short documentary following a young woman's diagnosis of bipolar: a journey of self-acceptance to challenge everyday stigma. Supported by BFI Doc Society.

Year

2023

Client

JBN Originals, BFI Doc Society

Project Type

Documentary Short Film

Role

End-to-end Film Production

Documentary Short Film —

A genre-bending, hybrid project

In "Trust Me", a young woman uses humour and compassion to share her moving and deeply personal story of coming to terms with her mental health condition.

When she starts exhibiting atypical and extreme behaviour, her loved ones trick her into hospitalisation against her will. She is diagnosed with bipolar disorder which starts her challenging journey of self-acceptance, confronting internalised and societal stigma, and learning to trust herself and others again.

Made with support from the BFI Doc Society Fund in association with Bipolar UK

Lead Crew

Co-Writer & Protagonist - Anne Chataigné
Produced by - JIJO
Producer - Chloe Abrahams
Lead Animator - Lisa Cruz
DOP - Natalja Safronova
Music - Matthieu Saikaly
Editor - Kevin Corry
Exec Producer - Hannah Bush Bailey

Key Cast

Anne - Nicole Schretlen Montes


Trust Me challenges the widespread and myopic stereotypes around mental health conditions, including bipolar, where those diagnosed are seen as“different” or “dangerous”—as victims of their disease, unable to live a fulfilled life.

Festivals

Aesthetica Film Festival, 2023
Encounters Film Festival, 2023
Director's Notes, 2024

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