Total Aphant/SDAM filmmaker

Hello all, I am a total aphant who also experiences SDAM (severely deficient autobiographical memory).I learned about my way of navigating this world about 5-6 years ago and it was quite life changing. I am a filmmaker and photographer and my practice has helped me immensely through the confusion and initial shock of discovering aphantasia and SDAM. Knowing that I can hold a memory (or come close to it) by capturing it through my lens has felt amazing. I tend to make more experimental films and abstract photographic projects. I would like to make an experimental project/loose documentary about aphantasia and how we all navigate our daily lives. I think most people view it as a disadvantage at first, but I try to look at it as an advantage. We can be intune with ourselves in the present moment and I think that is beautiful. I am based in the midwest and was hoping to interview some individuals on their experiences (can be totally anonymous) in person. I would love to make some small portraits/stories. Or alternatively, online interviews for text/voice over to be used in my experimental film. I know this is a big ask, but I think it would be nice to show all signs of the coin of living with aphantasia and SDAM. I respect privacy so anyone who wants to remain anonymous will. Please let me know if anyone is interested. I am looking forward to this project and to learning more about each other!

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Robin Lingebach•recently

Hi Harper, I live in VA right outside DC, but I would be happy to provide an interview. I would be open to video through zoom or other platform if that would be more helpful! My email is [email protected]

Tharpa Wickert•recently

Hi, I am a 61 yo white, female, Vajrayana Buddhist with total aphantasia, SDAM, and ADHD inattentive type who has had a "normal" life, graduated from college, got married, raised 3 daughters (33yrs, 31, 27), thought I was just like everyone else until a few years ago. I live in VA and would be happy to be interviewed. One of my daughters has aphantasia and one has hyperphantasia. You can email me at [email protected].

Melissa Harmon•recently

I am also a total aphant with SDAM and would be open to an interview. However, I am in TN.

Stacey Dugan•recently

Hi. I believe I am a total aphant and have SDAM as well. I live in Ohio. Let me know how to get in touch with you, I am interested in participating.

Lana Ferris•recently

I'm in Portland Oregon but happy to be interviewed. You can email me at [email protected]

I tried to reply to your comment but it posted it under the first comment for some reason...hopefully this doesn't do the same 🤦🏼‍♀️

We have a lot in common! (Up until the normal life part lol). I'm a 40yr old white female and also live in VA (right outside DC). I've been a practicing Buddhist for 21 years and have visual aphantasia along with SDAM and inattentive ADHD. I'm currently getting assessed for autism as well. I wonder if neurodivergence is related to aphantasia. I never married or had kids though. I did get a degree in psychology, but a lifetime of depression/anxiety and PTSD led me into addiction. Currently celebrating 14 months clean from hard drugs. Still working on dripping alcohol 100%. I also still use psychedelics in a therapeutic manner (ketamine & mushrooms).

Sorry meant to reply to a different comment, not sure how to edit/delete

And I live in VA as well! (Outside DC) and have SDAM, which I am currently trying to grieve and learn to navigate.

Harper S•recently

Hello Melissa! Thank you for reaching out, and for your interest. It would be great to get in touch. You can reach me at [email protected] . Thanks again!

Hey Stacey! Thank you for your interest. You can email me at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you!