The Story

Swelling In The Narrow is a short film that immerses the audience inside of the body and mind of Henley, a young woman living with intracranial hypertension, a neurological disorder that causes immense pressure within the brain, pain, visual distress, disorientation, dizziness, and many other symptoms. Written and directed by filmmaker and writer Elliana Polyak, in collaboration with Soul Hound Entertainment and Enduring Minds, the film transforms invisible illness into something vivid, intimate, and impossible to ignore.

Over a single day, Henley's reality distorts. The world becomes blue. Rooms flood. Sounds stretch and suffocate her. The boundaries of the physical reality she knew and the life she feels she should be living collapse inward into a drowning to reality. Rather than approach the disability through a clinical lens, Swelling In The Narrow invites audiences to experience the emotional and sensory reality of chronic neurological illness, and other similar disorders, from the inside out. Stepping into a day in Henley's life, the audience is immersed into the liminal, suffocating experiences of her symptoms with her. Further, the film aims to assist with bringing down the barriers between an able-bodied audience and those who experience invisible disabilities. Through seeing her world turn blue and begin to be flooded, Henley struggles to see the barriers between her own reality and the one she believe she should be living.

Where We Come In, and Where You Can To

Initiated by Enduring Minds, a foundation that works with bringing awareness and advocacy for chronic and rare neurological conditions, this piece is created from a unique vantage point, existing to push boundaries socially but also creatively. With writing and direction by Elliana Polyak, a filmmaker with POTS, a neighboring disability with similar symptoms as intracranial hypertension, wants to attack this, not as a medical documentary, but as an immersive experience for all bodies to see and feel. This film aligns with their personal missions to explore the unvoiced and look at untraditional female narratives and also Soul Hound Entertainment and Enduring Minds coinciding missions to advocate for unheard voices, that specifically being a female main character with an invisible neurological disorder.

Women, particularly those with chronic and neurological illnesses, are statistically more likely to have their pain dismissed, delayed in diagnosis, or misunderstood within medical systems. Studies surrounding chronic illness and pain management have found that women routinely report feeling unheard by healthcare providers, with one survey showing that 91% of women with chronic pain felt the healthcare system discriminated against female patients (Consumer Reports 90.) For those with neurological or invisible illnesses, this number is only higher. Many invisible illnesses and disorders disproportionately affect women and the disbelief faced can be life-altering and life-damaging if discovered and treated too late or improperly. Swelling In The Narrow exists not only to tell Henley’s story, but to create recognition for the gap within medical research and support for women like Henley. It begs to start a conversation about this reality, hoping for us to find a better avenue of understanding towards those who experience illnesses, disorders, disabilities, or conditions that may present similarly to her.

How We Can Work Together and Budget Overview

Swelling In The Narrow is feuled by an incredibly passionate team of artists, collaborators, and advocates who believe deeply in the importance of this story. But independent filmmaking can never be accomplished alone. It takes community, collaboration, and collective support to transform a deeply personal vision into something tangible, impactful, and capable of reaching audiences who need it most.

To bring this project to life, we are seeking to raise $10,000. These funds are needed in assisting us realize the story with the care and quality it deserves. Indie film relies heavily on dedication, sacrifice, and countless favors, and while our team is prepared to give all we have got creatively and physically, there are still many costs that go into making Swelling In The Narrow possible that are unavoidable.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward the production of the film, including equipment and truck rentals, camera and sound gear, set and staging materials, costumes, props, transportation and travel reimbursement, location fees, meals and crafty for cast and crew, post-production costs, festival submissions, and fairly compensating cast and crew. Your support allows us not only to make the film but to make it the way it deserves and to treat those who work on this film they way they deserve.

Why this Story

At its core, Swelling In The Narrow is more than a short film. It is a story rooted in chronic illness, invisibility, isolation, and survival. Through Henley’s experience living with intracranial hypertension, Polyak hoped to create something immersive and emotionally honest that resonates with those who have struggled to feel seen within their own bodies or unheard within medical systems. According to the Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation, intracranial hypertension affects thousands of people worldwide, with women making up the overwhelming majority of diagnosed cases, yet awareness and understanding surrounding the condition remain limited. This film aims to contribute to that awareness through art, empathy, and human connection.

Even if donating is not possible, supporting this campaign through sharing, reposting, following our socials or this campaign, or simply talking about the project helps immensely. Independent films survive because communities rally behind them, and every interaction pushes this project one step closer to becoming a reality. We hope you can join us along on this project in any way you have the capacity to.

By contributing to Swelling In The Narrow, in one of these ways or financially, you are helping support emerging independent artists, championing stories centered around chronic illness and disability, and participating in the creation of a film that strives to make audiences feel less alone. Join us on this mission and help us create a newer level of understanding for these illnesses and disorders.