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Mythomania

"Mythomania" is a poignant psychological drama that explores trauma, memory, and self-discovery. The story follows Ben, a young artist haunted by his troubled childhood, marked by his father's abandonment and his mother's mental health struggles. Through therapy and vivid flashbacks, Ben confronts the distortions of reality his mind has created to cope with his past.

As the narrative unfolds, Ben recalls his bond with his mother, Betty, and his struggles to support her through her breakdowns. A significant part of the story revolves around Melody, a woman Ben believes he loved and who inspired his art. However, as Ben's sessions with his therapist reveal, Melody might not be real but a manifestation of his longing for connection and purpose.

Through a blend of memories and surreal realisations, Ben uncovers the truth about his past, ultimately confronting his guilt and denial. In the end, he reconciles with his reality, symbolized by setting aside his sketchbook and pills, and takes a step toward healing. "Mythomania" is a powerful exploration of the human psyche, emphasising the resilience required to navigate trauma and reclaim one's life.

  • Zacharie Sadock
    Director
  • Zacharie Sadock
    Story by
  • Zacharie Sadock
    Writer
  • Alexandra Christodoulaki
    Writer
  • Christiaan Mitcalfe
    Producer
  • Fatima Zahira Khan
    Producer
  • Zacharie Sadock
    Executive Producer
  • Matu Harvey
    Director of Photography
  • Viola Furlan
    Production Designer
  • Aayush Jogi
    Edited by
  • Trevor Cone
    Colourist
  • Alonso Alamán
    Music by
  • Lyall Hardy Grey
    Key Cast
    "Ben"
  • Lucy Hallet-Jones
    Key Cast
    "Melody"
  • Madeleine Hutchins
    Key Cast
    "Betty/Therapist"
  • Tom Cross
    Key Cast
    "Young Ben"
  • George Still
    Key Cast
    "Richard"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student, Other
  • Genres:
    Psychological Thriller, Thriller, Drama, Romance, Narrative Short
  • Runtime:
    25 minutes 14 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 14, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    35,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - London Film Academy
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Zacharie Sadock

Zacharie Sadock, 23, is a Paris-born filmmaker whose journey has been shaped by his passion for storytelling and his commitment to pushing creative boundaries. After moving to the United States, he studied filmmaking at Idyllwild Arts Academy before attending Santa Monica College, where he focused on film theory and analysis during the pandemic, as the school restricted production activities. This deeper dive into storytelling fundamentals proved invaluable when he landed an internship with Blumhouse Productions, where he worked on script coverage and learned what makes stories stand out in the industry.

After graduating with honors in a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the London Film Academy, Zacharie wrote and directed Mythomania. The project began as a personal exploration of heartbreak but quickly evolved into a complex story about childhood, family, mental health, and the power of art. His understanding of film theory and industry trends inspired him to break away from traditional storytelling, crafting a world where every detail is connected and where viewers are challenged to see truths hidden in plain sight.

Eighteen months of hard work brought Mythomania to life, making it not just a film but a unique and thought-provoking experience. It showcases Zacharie’s drive to tell a fresh, meaningful story that resonates with the audience in a way they may have never experienced before.

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Director Statement

“Mythomania” started with a breakup I couldn’t fully get over. It had been three years, yet the emotions lingered. So, I started writing. No directions, no intentions, just emotions. And it became therapeutic daily exercise. This cocooning habit led me to write about the reasons I was taking all these notes, like a mental spiral. This is how “Mythomania” was born. I didn't try to write it – it slowly revealed itself as I kept digging my most unexpected thoughts.

The process grew, the notes morphed into characters, events, and locations. In short: a story. As the script was taking shape, I collaborated with writer Alexandra Christodoulaki to refine it. Her ideas and refinements were fundamental in adding key elements that made the story and characters more believable.

The story explores the double-edged nature of art. On one hand, art connects us to our most fragile emotions and gives them life. On the other, diving into abstract thoughts for too long happens to psychologically isolate us. And isolation often leads to a twisted representation of reality. This is where “Mythomania” lives – in that space between what is real and what we wish to be real. Therefore, my direction was driven by the desire to explore layered perspectives and shifting points of view. I wanted to invite the audience to question what they see. To challenge their assumptions. To understand that truth is not always what it seems.

This film is deeply personal. It was born from my own struggle with memories, regrets, and the stories I told myself to make sense of it all. But more than that, I hope it resonates with others. We all tell ourselves stories. We all choose which truths to believe.