The Global Search for Education: WadeBE’s The Other You — A Poignant Journey Through Dissociation
This month, audiences can watch The Other You on the Planet Classroom Network. This film is curated by Planet Classroom.
Directed by WadeBE, The Other You is a powerful exploration of dissociation through the eyes of Amelia Marren. Blurred visuals and dynamic pacing immerse viewers in Amelia’s fragmented reality as she navigates the pressures of pursuing her passion for dance while confronting her mother’s relentless push toward a law degree.
Accompanied by her ever-present partner, Sam, Amelia discovers the dissociative disorder that has shaped her journey. Sophie Wilson delivers a captivating performance as Amelia, blending vulnerability and resilience to bring this nuanced character to life. With its thought-provoking portrayal of mental health, WadeBE’s film leaves a lasting emotional impact, underscoring the beauty and challenges of coping mechanisms born from trauma.
The Global Search for Education is pleased to welcome WadeBE.
What inspired you to explore the theme of dissociation in The Other You?
Every film I make conveys a little piece of my own personality. I see neurodiversity as a spectrum that many of us fall on, whether diagnosed or not. In milder cases, this might manifest as a wild imagination or frequent daydreaming, but in more extreme cases, it can lead to dissociation — where individuals feel detached from reality, experience depersonalization, or even develop Dissociative Identity Disorder.
What fascinated me about dissociation is that it’s often a coping mechanism developed early in life due to trauma. While I don’t wish trauma on anyone, we’ve all likely wished at some point to detach from a moment where we felt scared, nervous, or unworthy. This film seeks to portray the beauty of dissociation as a protective mechanism while fostering empathy for those experiencing it. By understanding these traits, we can better connect with and support one another.
What was your approach to visual storytelling, especially during scenes of dissociation?
We wanted the dissociative scenes to feel organic and intrusive rather than effects added in post-production. To achieve this, we used classic techniques like kaleidoscopes, crystals, and lights shining directly into the lens, creating real-time visual distortions. These effects symbolize how Amelia’s dissociations are beyond her control.
The colorful, oversaturated grading reflects a sensory overload, where the world becomes too much to process, forcing Amelia to retreat inward. By embracing these techniques, we aimed to immerse the audience in Amelia’s experience while maintaining a visually compelling narrative.
What message or feeling do you hope audiences take away after watching The Other You?
I hope viewers feel comforted in their own mental health or neurodiversity journeys, or at the very least, more aware and sensitive to what others might be going through — often invisibly.
More than that, I want to empower individuals to embrace their unique traits, seeing them not as hindrances but as superpowers. The Other You highlights the therapeutic power of dance, showcasing how primal art forms like movement can help individuals reconnect with their bodies and find healing.
What challenges did you encounter when making this project?
The biggest challenge was authentically portraying dissociation. Fortunately, a team member who experiences dissociation generously shared their insights, helping us shape the film. Hearing them say, “That’s exactly what it’s like,” after seeing a cut was the most rewarding moment of the project.
Ultimately, the film itself mirrors a dissociative experience — a chance to step out of reality and immerse yourself in a dreamlike narrative. Isn’t that what movies are? They allow us to detach from life and see parts of ourselves — or our shadows — reflected on screen.
Thank you, WadeBE!
C. M. Rubin with WadeBE
Don’t miss The Other You, now streaming on the Planet Classroom Network. This film is curated by Planet Classroom.