A Raw Portrait of Bipolar Disorder Wins Golden Eye at Zurich Festival
Dino Brandão, a man living with bipolar disorder, has a documentary 'I Love You, I Leave You' set for release on November 6. The film, directed by Moris Freiburghaus, won the Golden Eye award at the Zurich Film Festival and offers a raw, personal insight into Brandão's experiences.
Brandão, who is currently in a manic episode, wanted to capture his experiences on film. He approached Freiburghaus, a friend and fellow filmmaker, to direct the documentary. The film, which was also nominated for the Golden Eye award in the International Documentary Film category, reveals the exhausting impact of Brandão's bipolar disorder on both him and his loved ones.
Brandão's bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings between depression and mania. In manic phases, he may stay awake for days, act impulsively, speak incoherently, and even become delusional, as depicted in the documentary. The film shows the spectrum of Brandão's moods, challenging the black-and-white perception of his condition. Freiburghaus faced the challenge of balancing intimacy and exploitation while filming his friend's personal struggle.
The documentary 'I Love You, I Leave You' will be released on November 6, offering a candid look into Brandão's life with bipolar disorder. The film has already been recognised with the Golden Eye award and the Audience Prize at the Zurich Film Festival, highlighting its impact and importance in raising awareness about mental health.
