Get to know OCD The Film That Captures How OCD Really Looks
Feb 19, 2026
Sam Sabawi, filmmaker and producer living with OCD, created the short film For All I Know to portray the internal experience of the disorder. He discusses portraying mental loops, intrusive doubt, and how the film externalizes intrusive thoughts. He also covers casting choices, a therapy scene illustrating ERP, festival reactions, and where to watch the film.
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Film Shows OCD From Inside The Mind
- For All I Know externalizes intrusive thoughts to show the internal terror of OCD rather than stereotyped compulsions.
- Sam Sabawi purposely visualized mental loops and images so non-OCD viewers can feel the same distress Sandra experiences.
Title Captures The Uncertainty Core Of OCD
- The title For All I Know highlights OCD's intolerance of uncertainty and the endless 'what if' spirals.
- Sam explains OCD craves certainty, leading people to treat thoughts as potentially true even when they're unlikely, fueling compulsions.
Actor Learned OCD Internals To Portray True Agony
- Rachel Alec learned OCD's internal mechanics rather than relying on stereotypes, letting her portray terror and emotional conflict authentically.
- Sam emphasized outcome-based emotional direction so Rachel internalized the obsession–compulsion cycle for each scene.