Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibilityParalyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story | 2026 Sundance Film Festival
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Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story

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United States2026116 minEnglish
Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story

Blurring the line between performance and personal crisis, comedian Maria Bamford turns her mental health journey into material that’s riotously funny and ultimately inspiring. What emerges is a portrait of an artist transforming vulnerability into creative strength through honesty.

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Blurring the line between performance and personal crisis, comedian Maria Bamford turns her mental health journey into material that’s riotously funny and ultimately inspiring. What emerges is a portrait of an artist transforming vulnerability into creative strength through honesty.

Maria Bamford is beloved for turning her radical sensitivity and honesty into laughs. Co-directors Judd Apatow and Neil Berkeley trace her path to comedy, from her childhood in Duluth, Minnesota, to discovering stand-up in college, and finding fame in Los Angeles. The film expertly balances Bamford’s distinctive comedic voice with a thoughtful exploration of her mental health journey and the relationships, both nurturing and challenging, that shaped her.

Amid hilarious moments from her stand-up specials and fellow comedians weighing in on what makes her so funny, Bamford lays bare the anxiety and persistence underpinning her career, all with disarming humor. Whether you’re a fan or a newcomer, this film feels like laughing with a friend who speaks with a fearless intimacy, infusing our hardest truths with a laugh. — SO

Available in person only.

PremieresAll FeaturesBiographyWomen-Centered StoriesComedyNonfictionAudio DescriptionClosed CaptionOpen CaptionU.S. Only- less

Credits

  • Director(s)

    Judd Apatow

    Neil Berkeley

  • Editor

    James Leche

  • Producers

    Judd Apatow

    Neil Berkeley

    Amanda Rohlke

    David Heiman

  • Executive Producers

    Josh Church

    Wayne Federman

    Olivia Rosenbloom

  • Cinematography

    Neil Berkeley

  • Archival Producer

    Austin Wilkin

  • Assistant Editor

    Zachariah Daly

  • Contact

    Maggie Pisacane

    mpisacane@wmeagency.com

    2129031313

Meet the Artist

Panelist Name

Judd Apatow

    Judd Apatow is a renowned comedic director, whose previous credits include the Emmy-winning documentary The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and Knocked Up. He produced Oscar-nominated films like The Big Sick and Bridesmaids, as well as Superbad, Pineapple Express, and Anchorman.

    Panelist Name

    Neil Berkeley

      Neil Berkeley is an Emmy-nominated director known for inventive, heartfelt documentaries, including Gilbert, Beauty Is Embarrassing, and Harmontown. Blending humor, honesty, and visual flair, his films humanize complicated, deeply creative people while revealing the struggles, quirks, and idiosyncrasies that drive extraordinary artists.

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