Award-winning film about schizophrenia: 'People say I'm crazy'

By Lyn Jenkins

JOHN CADIGAN made People Say I'm Crazy with the help of his sister, filmmaker Katie Cadigan, and Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker, Ira Wohl.

By filming his life for more than 10 years—from when he had his first psychotic episode at age 21 until he was well into recovery a decade later, he managed to record his story despite the cognitive and emotional difficulties created by his disease.

John says:

'Making this film was my idea. At the beginning, when I had my psychotic break in college, I did not know what was happening with me. I thought that by filming I could explore my illness and try to understand what was going on.

I filmed everything—from being catatonic to when I had ECT (electro-convulsive, or electroshock therapy).

Later on I kept filming because I was so angry about how much misinformation there is about brain diseases like mine.  I wanted the world to know what it's like to live with labels such as "psychotic," "schizophrenic" and "severely disabled."

I wanted to let the world know what it is really like to live with schizophrenia.'

For more information about the film or to buy a copy visit People Say I'm Crazy

If you would like to see screenings of the film in the UK, let us know below and we'll try and if they're are any planned or if we can all work together to make it happen!

Also, see other films about mental health on Breaking the Silence.

Comments

[Rebecca Drake]

I saw this amazing film in the US a while back and I don't think I'll ever look at people with schizophrenia the same way again. I can't even imagine filming my life, never mind doing it while I was mentally ill! The guy who made this is so honest, earnest and completely loveable. I wanted to crawl into the tv and just hug him.

I wish I'd seen this before my aunt died: she had schizophrenia and we were all scared of her. Am ashamed of how we treated her growing up -- and got even more so after seeing the film. At least now my heart is a bit bigger.

[Lyn]

Hi Rebecca,

Thank you for letting us know what you thought of the film. It's great to hear the views of someone who has watched the whole thing. I wish I could see it too...I'm sure I'll find a way.

I'm sorry you didn't get to see it before your aunt died. I always think everything has its right time. Perhaps you just wouldn't have been ready for the what the film has given you before; it's impossible to know.

Hugs for you too :)

Lyn

[Imola]

Quite an interesting film. Your article made me want to see it!

[Lyn]

Thanks Imola :)