Manic/Depressive

Denver, Colorado | Film Short

Drama, Romance

After being discharged from a psych ward, a charismatic but fragile young woman (Camila) invites a fellow patient (Lena) to crash on her couch. What begins as a manic whirlwind quickly devolves into a dangerous relationship that threatens Camila's stability and safety.

Mission Statement

Manic/Depressive aims to portray bipolar disorder with raw compassion, showing the swing between mania and depression without sensationalizing it. Through a hyper‑codependent dynamic, the film explores self‑preservation over intoxicating comfort and the painful choice to break a cycle.

The Story

Hospitalized for a manic episode, Camila meets and trauma bonds with another patient, Lena during her stay at the psych ward. Lena, an unhoused drug addict, becomes immediately dependent on Camila, moving in with her upon discharge. When the two arrive at Camila’s apartment, Dante (Camila’s roommate) hesitantly allows Lena to stay. However, he insists upon her only staying for one night.

But, Lena remains for a month, still seeking drugs–often in Camila’s medicine cabinet. Upon confrontation from Dante, Camila hesitantly agrees to ask Lena to leave. During this difficult conversation between them, Lena introduces a bag of ecstasy, insisting the two take it together. Collapsing together on the bed, Lena and Camila share an intimate conversation, kissing, and presumably going on to have sex.

But their intimate bubble bursts when Camila’s mania switches into a harsh depressive episode. After reassurance from Dante, Camila finds the courage to kick Lena out. Backed into a corner, Lena lashes out, desperate to keep a roof over her head.

Manic/Depressive is a raw yet compassionate depiction of bipolar disorder, and the struggles of breaking free from a toxic, co-dependent relationship.

Camila is a bipolar-1 woman fresh out of a psychiatric hospital. She craves validation and comfort, clinging to Lena due to psychosis, insecurity, and infatuation.

Lena is an unstable, unhoused young woman in active addiction. She is self-centered, calculated, and charismatic, taking advantage of Camila’s kindness and attraction to her.

Dante is Camila’s roommate, a grounded, self-assured and kind young man. He is a stable ‘anchor’ who knows Camila’s patterns and loves her deeply, remaining wary of Lena’s presence.

Mia Baca | Co-Director, Co-Writer

Mia (she/her) is a screenwriter studying Film and Television at the University of Colorado Denver. Mia hopes to produce films and/or television that explore mental health, as well as experiences of people of color and the queer community.

Max Jordan | Producer, Co-Director, Co-Writer

Max (he/they) is a screenwriter and producer studying to get a BFA in Film and Television at the University of Colorado Denver. They want to produce movies and TV shows about everything from cosmic horror to musical theater adaptations. His favorite film is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. In their free time, Max loves to ski.

Aloysius Abillar | Director of Photography

Aloysius (he/him) is a screenwriter and self taught animator studying Film and Television at the University of Colorado Denver. Aloysius one day hopes to produce TV and animated shows that represent and explore the experiences of people of color.

Cas Puccio | Production Designer

Cas (he/him) is a sophomore screenwriter and producer studying for a BFA in Film and Television at University of Colorado Denver. He has worked on several short fiction films, and believes that the best production design fits seamlessly with the world around it. One of his favorite films is Call Me By Your Name, and he spends his free time reading and searching through thrift stores.

Without romanticizing, we intend to depict a relationship built on shared suffering and rock bottom. We begin depicting mania, euphoric but fateful, consisting of poor decisions, impulsivity, and exaggerated passion and energy. Transitioning into depression, we hope to represent and better, visualize, the despair and fatigue. We intend to do so through color palettes and general mise-en-scene, aiming for an overall grunge, messy aesthetic.

The Plan

Where We’re At:

The script is complete, the crew is committed and ready, actors are casted, and locations have been secured.

Your Support Funds:

Timeline:

Production begins in April 2026. Following post-production, the film will screen at Cinefest and then be submitted to film festivals starting in June 2026.

Thank you so much for believing in independent storytelling and supporting our project "Manic/Depressive" - Mia Baca