'A Moment of Clarity' documentary explores bipolar disorder

Isti Kaldor wanted to be a doctor.

But after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and breaking his back in a kayak accident, he began painting.

Director Kevin Cullen met Kaldor four years ago and decided to film a documentary about Kaldor’s life, mental disorder and artwork.

Kaldor began painting shortly after his first manic episode while he was at UNC Hospitals.

“He started collecting his ketchup and other food, and he started painting with it,” Cullen said.

Cullen also wants to use the film “A Moment of Clarity” to educate people about bipolar disorder.

“I’ve found that there’s a huge misunderstanding of what bipolar disorder is,” Cullen said. “And that’s the reason why I thought that Isti’s openness in speaking about it and me presenting the human side of the disorder would be most helpful.”

Bebe Smith, co-director at the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health, said bipolar disorder is a mood disorder categorized by two different states, mania and depression. She said mania is a very elevated mood characterized by high energy, while depression is a low mood characterized by sadness and lack of interest.

“With Isti, whether he is up or down, his art is essential to maintaining any type of balance,” Cullen said.

Smith said that based on her experiences, it is possible for someone experiencing an extreme emotional state to tap into the creative parts of their brain.

The documentary was filmed in Chapel Hill, Kaldor’s house in Durham and Boone, where Kaldor attended college at Appalachian State University.

Kaldor was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 19 while he was a sophomore at Appalachian.

Julie Bailey, interim executive director of Mental Health America of the Triangle, said she raised three children with bipolar disorder and believes “A Moment of Clarity”can help normalize mental illness to viewers.

“With 25 percent of our country experiencing a mental health issue, that means everybody is impacted on one level or another,” Bailey wrote in an email. “We can all learn from what Isti shares in this film.”

The film premieres Thursday at the Varsity Theatre on East Franklin Street at 6:30 p.m.

Cullen said he has watched many documentaries about mental disorders that are negative and rely on sympathy. He thinks “A Moment of Clarity”uses Kaldor’s experiences to bring a positive outlook to being diagnosed with a mental disorder and does not leave the viewer feeling sorry for Kaldor.

“We want to show people that a mental disorder is not the end of your life,” Cullen said.

Contact the Arts Editor at arts@dailytarheel.com.