“Heightened” Getting October Release via Freestyle Digital Media

Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, has acquired North American VOD rights to the OCD and social anxiety-riddled dramatic comedy HEIGHTENED, which will be available to rent/own on all North American digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms, as well as on DVD, starting on October 1st, 2024.

An award-winning film festival favourite, HEIGHTENED tells the story of Nora, an anxious young woman who suffers a mental breakdown mid-Bar exam and returns home to Maine to live with her emotionally distant parents. While she undergoes court-ordered psychiatric treatment, Nora’s world is further upended when she is assigned to volunteer at her local state park. Nature-induced panic attacks subside in the company of her new supervisor, Dusty, who is dealing with crippling issues of his own. Maybe Nora and Dusty can help each other overcome the obstacles their socially complicated world presents to them.

Written and directed by Sara Friedman, HEIGHTENED was produced by John Hermann (Cut 4 Productions), Sara Friedman, and Matt Ratner (Tilted Windmill Productions). The ensemble cast features writer/director Sara Friedman as Nora, Dave Register (FALLOUT) as ‘Dusty,’ Mike Mitchell (TWISTED METAL) as ‘Mitch,’ Xander Berkeley (THE WALKING DEAD, AIR FORCE ONE) as ‘Gordon,’ and Sarah Clarke (24, TWILIGHT) as ‘Susan.’

Friedman comments:

“HEIGHTENED is a film that viscerally captures the sensory experiences that come with suffering from anxiety. I know from personal experience that a wealth of humorous moments can stem from the everyday experience of trying to stay afloat. HEIGHTENED shows both the light and the dark, and ultimately, how human connection can save us from ourselves.

“We’re thrilled that Freestyle Digital Media has embraced the film and will be helping us introduce it to a wide audience throughout North America. If just one person watching this film feels a little less alone or is inspired to reach out and connect with someone, we will have succeeded.”

Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the deal to acquire HEIGHTENED directly with the filmmakers.

“Heightened” movie artwork