PROJECT GALLERY
The Project Gallery is a collection of projects produced by members of our fiscal sponsorship program and other Creative Visions impact media programs. This includes projects that are currently in production, as well as completed projects.
Manaiacal
At 16, Manaia finds herself trapped in an abusive household, broken by the loss of her mother and tormented by a rare illness that manifests in terrifying hallucinations. As she battles both inner and outer demons, Manaia embarks on a journey of self-discovery, led by an ancestral spirit and pursued by a malevolent Māori Folklore Creature, to unearth the truth about her past and find the strength to rewrite her future.
Manaiacal is a socially impactful psychological thriller set in New Zealand that blends real-world mental-health challenges and auto-immune disorders with the haunting influence of Māori folklore. Inspired by true events, the film follows a family grappling with a loved one’s rapid psychological decline, where terrifying hallucinations begin to blur with ancient legends and unseen forces. As long-buried trauma resurfaces, the family must navigate not only the stigma and lack of access to mental-health care, but also the frightening possibility that the “monsters” tormenting their daughter may not be entirely imagined. Manaiacal shines a light on the urgent need for culturally informed support, early intervention, and greater mental-health resources within Pacific Islander and underserved communities. Through an emotionally grounded yet suspense-driven narrative, the film uses folklore, fear, and empathy to spark meaningful dialogue and promote awareness, understanding, and real social change.