Aaron Fisher Overcoming Mental Illness Directing Inside The Rain Image

Aaron Fisher Overcoming Mental Illness Directing Inside The Rain

By Alan Ng | January 9, 2020

Making movies is by no means easy. Often the first hurdle to cross is yourself. You must stop making excuses why you can’t make a movie and just do it.

I spoke with first-time feature filmmaker Aaron Fisher, who wrote and directed the comedy Inside The Rain. The story is about Benjamin Glass (played by Aaron Fisher), who happens to be bipolar and starting a brand new year of college. After an awkward one-night stand, Ben’s condition gets the better of him and he is threatened with expulsion from school. Misunderstood about his condition, Ben decides to make a movie and present it at his school hearing in hopes of exonerating himself.

Like his character Ben, writer/director/star Aaron Fisher also suffers from bipolar disorder. We talked about the challenges he faced writing, directing, and producing the film when only a few thought he could. We also talked about the stigma associated with bipolar disorder and how easy it is to write-off people with mental health issues.


Tell me about the writing process and making your film Inside The Rain?
Aaron Fisher:
I wanted to write a love story and wanted the character to be based loosely on me. My intention was not necessarily to raise awareness or to get rid of the stigma of mental health issues. I wanted to make a film like The Graduate. The main character of Ben happened to be bipolar. Although I was taking a lot from my experience, I was just writing about the truth. The movie is fictional, the essence of what my 20s were like. I didn’t want the film to be preachy. Emma is the love interest, who happens to be a sex worker. The role is more about the person, not what she does for a living.

When I go to screenings, so many people tell me how important the film is. I’m not an activist. I feel like I’ve unintentionally thrown myself into a mix.

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  1. Duane Barone says:

    I thought the films is brilliant. It’s an amazing characterizations of the fluctuations and triggers interacting, especially without meds. I loved how sensitive Ben is to needing connection and yet finding rejection. The saddest aspect of taking a “normal” experience and having it turn to suicide was spot on!! Hella movie. I’ll be buying it to show my male and female domestic violence groups. I’m a therapist.

  2. Mary Ann Farley says:

    would love to see this so interesting

  3. Bonnie Coyle says:

    This sounds like an amazing movie. As someone who sufferes CPTSD and DID along with deoression and anxiety I try to help others overcome their own mental blocks about my condotions. Too many judge what they can not comprehend or understand.

  4. Darlene Rese says:

    I think this would be very remarkable to see and very impressive to see how the story unwinds. I have been diagnosed earlier in life as schitzophrenic disorder and then later with bipolar disorder. This has hindered me also in my job twice and since I am retired now and married 15 years to my soulmate, I am quite adjusted mentally and doing well in that area. The main thing I suffer from is physical, COPD. I would very much like to see this movie when it comes out.

  5. Catherine Simonetti says:

    I am so proud of you!! You kept on trucking and got the job done!!! I am also bipolar so I can truly relate. Bipolar sucks! I can’t say enough about you I am astonished !!! I want to write a book and you inspire me!! Most people couldn’t have made it thru my life, but I never gave up just as you didn’t! Can’t wait to see the distribution ! I am excited ! Again thank you! Catherine Simonetti

  6. Roseann Voigt says:

    Aaron Fisher, you wanted to make a love story but look at all these comments, this movie is gonna help people way more, you are a brave man and I thank you, also any screenings in Chicago coming? ✌️Ty

  7. Roseann Voigt says:

    Aaron fisher, maybe I didn’t want to make this movie and wanted to make a love story, but look at all these comments from people who actually needed someone like you to do it, we are all blessed and happy you did it ! 👏👏👏 btw will there be a screening in Chicago anytime? I sure hope so,👍you are a brave man✌️

  8. Joe Nolan says:

    Can’t wait until March to see it!

  9. Rae says:

    Keep Me Updated Thank You

  10. K says:

    How can I contact the writer of this article?

  11. Harold A Maio says:

    —-We also talked about the stigma associated with bipolar disorder and how easy it is to write-off people with mental health issues.

    May you please change the conversation to talking about the people trained to voice that prejudice. They have done enough harm. Idly repeating them has done enough harm.

  12. Nancy Maddox says:

    I looking forward to seeing your movie Mr Fischer ,Aaron if I may.
    “Inside the Rain ” is a cool title. I live in Northern California so it is not a freezing title .i’m interested in where are you film the film I was just looking on it on the fb feed, I am assuming New York ?
    Thanks
    Nancy Maddox

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