Black and Shiny Things

Black and Shiny Things is about an individual’s struggle with schizophrenia and its effects on a family, challenging the bond between two brothers. After Joseph has a mental breakdown in a suicidal attempt to reach out for help, his Mom, goes in search for a solution to help her son. Sometimes the question we ask ourselves are complicated but the answers are simple. This film is about mental illness and how a family comes together to overcome their obstacle with understanding, hope and love.

A dimly lit, blurred hallway with a partially visible doorway in the background.

Topics Covered

Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder, Suicide and/or Suicide Prevention

Content Heads Up

Institutionalization, threat of violence with a knife

Representation

White, Man / male, Parent, In-Patient

Film Style

Drama

A middle-aged man with a long beard and a baseball cap, looking directly at the camera against a plain background.

Thomas Schade

Originally from Connecticut, Thomas Schady moved to Los Angeles in 2011 to pursue an MFA in Filmmaking. His non-profit company, Schady Films, focuses on raising awareness and erasing the stigma surrounding mental illness. His short film, Following Jerry, portrays the realities of living with mental illness.

More Films like this

About Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder

A close-up view of a person's face, with a blurred background suggesting an outdoor setting.

About Suicide and/or Suicide Prevention

The image depicts a group of people gathered around a table, enjoying a meal and conversation. The foreground shows plates, glasses, and various dishes on the table, while the background features framed artwork and other decorative elements, suggesting a cozy and intimate setting.