Another Number
"Another Number" follows the harrowing journey of Maria Barzegar, a Duke University student whose life is drastically altered by multiple diagnoses of mental illness. It starts with a poignant look at Maria’s early life, as a scholar, and athlete and the high expectations placed upon her as the beacon of hope for her family. Beginning production in 2018, the documentary features significant intimate footage, offering an unprecedented look at our search for answers.This footage captures the gradual progression of her mental decline and the subsequent collapse of the Barzegar family.
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This documentary not only examines the struggles within the mental health system, the trial and error with medications, and alternative treatments, but also highlights the global search for solutions. By showcasing how countries with advanced mental health care systems address these issues, and incorporating cutting-edge research like stem cell therapy, Another Number offers a hopeful perspective. Interviews with family members, doctors, and international experts illustrate both the systemic shortcomings and the innovative approaches being adopted worldwide to combat mental illness.
Synopsis
DOCUMENTARY DRAMA | 100 MIN RT | $200,000 | PG -13
SHOOT AUGUST-DECEMBER 2024 | RELEASE 2025
DONATE
Donating supports a dedicated team of professionals by providing access to the proper equipment and diverse locations that are crucial to the success of the documentary. Securing the budget will allow us to tell Maria’s story, and others like hers, with the depth and sensitivity they deserve. Our hope with the film is to spark a much-needed conversation about mental health, with the goal of destigmatizing the issue and advocating for meaningful systemic reform.
Crew & Equipment
This is our largest expense, as producing an impactful documentary requires significant time and effort. Professional equipment and a skilled crew are essential to capture Maria's story with the quality it deserves, ensuring a polished final product.
Post & Beyond
We have countless hours of footage, ranging from the mid-1990s to the present day. A strong post-production team is crucial for managing this vast amount of content. Additionally, we aim to distribute the film and submit it to major festivals.
Revolutionary Treatments
Full funding will enable Maria to receive cutting-edge treatment. Institutions like UT Austin and Harvard have made groundbreaking advancements in treating mental illness. Documenting this process could pave the way for future treatments.
Flights & Lodging
Our interviewees come from all over the world, with some needing to fly to us, while others will require us to travel to them. Beyond flights, we'll need to arrange accommodations, meals, and local transportation for everyone involved.