The Department of Theatre and Film will host a free, public screening of “Looking at Madness,” a film made by UToledo alumni, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, in the Center for Performing Arts Center Theatre. Admission and visitor parking are free, but tickets must be reserved online.
The film follows a theater actress in Chicago who struggles under the pressures of her career goals and deteriorating mental health. It was written and directed by film alumnus Robby Brumfield and stars alumna Christina Pinciotti, who recently won Best Actress at the Chandler International Film Festival for her performance.
“Mental illness is one of the subjects I’m most passionate about, and yet, I’ve never tackled it head-on in my work,” Brumfield said. “It’s been in the margins of some of my films, but it’s never been the main thing on display. I decided to change that.
” ‘Looking at Madness’ is meant to put you into the head of someone who struggles with anxiety, depression and imposter syndrome — and do so in a way that feels honest and authentic.”
A Millbury, Ohio, native, Pinciotti studied theater and communication at UToledo, graduating in 2017. The film has a campus connection off screen, too: Pinciotti’s mother, Julie Pinciotti, a staff member in the Office of Budget and Planning, makes an appearance in it.
