TO THE GOTHAM. Ben Taman, a born-and-raised filmmaker from Eau Claire, was selected for the 2025 Gotham Week Project Market in Brooklyn, New York City. Taman, pictured above, will showcase his latest film, "Do You Think I'm Weird?" and invites audiences to learn more about the unspoken truths of his personal identity. (Submitted Photo)

Something we all can relate to, the age old question “what do people actually think of me?" While such internal contemplations are often left unsaid, Eau Claire native and filmmaker Ben Taman boldly confronts the unspoken answers.

With an intricate blend of professional insights — along with personal interviews — Taman’s latest production, “Do You Think I’m Weird?” offers a compassionate look at his personal journey whilst living with schizophrenia.

“By sharing my story and others’, I hope people see that what gets called ‘weird’ is often just another way of experiencing the world — and that deserves respect, not stigma,” Taman said.

The film was recently selected for the 2025 Gotham Week Project Market, slated for Sept. 29 through Oct. 3 in Brooklyn, New York City; Taman will have the chance to invite new audiences into the complex, nuanced, and beautiful stories of his own lived experiences.

“Do You Think I’m Weird?” holds multiple truths at once, Taman said. The documentary offers both educational and personal insights, as it combines personal interviews with close family and friends — who were witness to his lived experiences — with clinical experts who contextualize these stories on a larger scale.

“The intimate interviews bring lived experience to the forefront. They remind us that schizophrenia isn’t just a clinical term, it’s someone’s life,” Taman said.

Prior to this film festival, Eau Claire film enthusiasts have likely followed along Taman’s previous works — or web series’ — like “'We Can Do This, Right?” and “Fragments.” Each of these short films and other creations preceding his latest film aim to destigmatize aspects of Taman's life: mental health challenges, his identity as a trans man, or substance abuse.

In each of these individual — or often overlapping — quests toward greater awareness, Taman has been building for this moment, he shared.  “I’m reclaiming my own story, and hopefully opening space for others to feel seen too,” Taman said.

“Do You Think I’m Weird?” was made in part due to the profound impact the Chippewa Valley cinema scene has had on his creative growth, he shared. From intimate premieres in the local Micon Cinema theaters to crowdfunding support in the early days prior to filming, Taman continues to reinvest in the area audience that has invested in him.

Eau Claire also became further cemented into the documentary, as one of many stories throughout the film is Taman's journey alongside spouse Naliah, who — as they discovered over time — also has local ties.

The two played at the same area water tower as children, a landmark they revisit in the film, Taman teased.

Naliah and Ben, pictured above, embrace in front of the Chippewa Valley water tower where they each played near as children. Ben credits this film — and previous projects — to the unwavering support from friends, family, and community in the Eau Claire area. (Submitted Photo)

“To have local support not just at the beginning of my journey but also as the film reaches a national stage feels like a full-circle moment,” Taman said. “It shows that the community believes in these stories as much as I do, and that encouragement keeps me going.”

Taman intends to be among the 800 filmmakers and industry professionals at the Gotham Week Project Market this year. Once there, he plans to network and share the message of his documentary to new audiences — all with a confidence which has grown thanks to the acceptance and unwavering support of his community back home.

“If audiences come away with more compassion — not just for people like me, but for anyone who feels labeled or pushed to the margins — then the film has done its job.”

Stay up-to-date with the release “Do You Think I’m Weird?” online through Taman’s webpage online, isbenweird.com.