Learning to Swallow

LEARNING TO SWALLOW follows Patsy, a charismatic artist who destroys her digestive system during an unmedicated bipolar episode. Over four rocky years she struggles to accept her physical condition, her inability to eat, and her emotional state – only to reinvigorate her artistic voice in the process.

The March 2015 national broadcast on the America ReFramed series was in honor of Women’s History Month and World Bipolar Day.

Director/Producer/Camera/Sound:

Danielle Beverly

“compulsively watchable” – Variety

“Beverly’s camera is uncompromising in acknowledging Desmond’s humor and undying spirit,
even as she becomes increasingly frail before our eyes.”

– Deirdre Haj, Executive Director, Full Frame Documentary Film Festival

“An unusual survival story” – Time Out Chicago

“Beverly’s camera is unflinching” – Ray Pride, New City

“Director Beverly doesn’t flinch” – Time Out, New York

“It is rare that a film can so meticulously capture the essence of a complicated person.”

– Mary Kerr, Programming Director, SILVERDOCS (2005)