Strangely Optimistic
based on a true, heartbreakingly ridiculous, Long COVID story.
Coming Soon!
Countdown TimerSynopsis:
"Strangely Optimistic" follows aspiring singer-songwriter, Nina Storey, who is blindsided by debilitating mystery symptoms following a Covid infection early in the Pandemic.
Although perpetually gaslit by everyone around her, armed with dark humor, music, her loyal pup, and an alarming amount of pickle juice, she finds a way to keep getting back up.
2X Grammy & Emmy-Nominee Nina Storey and MaskTogetherAmerica Launch Long COVID Dramady, "Strangely Optimistic."
New short film for the 13th Annual Easterseals Disability Film Challenge turns a personal health crisis into a powerful call for health equity.
Synopsis:
"Strangely Optimistic" follows aspiring singer-songwriter, "Nina Storey", who is blindsided by debilitating mystery symptoms following a Covid infection early in the Pandemic. Although perpetually gaslit by everyone around her, armed with dark humor, music, her loyal pup, and an alarming amount of pickle juice, she finds a way to keep getting back up.
On April 4th 2026, the poignant and irreverent short film "Strangely Optimistic" makes its digital debut on the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge’s official YouTube and Facebook channels. Written, directed by, and starring two-time GRAMMY and EMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Nina Storey, the film was produced in collaboration with Julie Lam (founder of MaskTogetherAmerica) and a deeply empathetic crew. This inclusive production brought together a diverse team of collaborators—including individuals living with various disabilities—to create a featured entry for the 13th Annual Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.
We made this film to raise awareness of the invisible battle nearly 400 million people are currently facing, living with Long COVID, leaving many feeling like ghosts in their own lives. Emerging in 2020, COVID-19 persists as a global health crisis that targets vital organs—from the brain to the heart to the gut—disrupting every system in the body.* Long COVID is a disability that deserves attention, research, and equity. Our call to action through this film is to shine a light on that darkness with humor and hope, showing that even in our most dire struggles, there is a path toward visibility, change, and healing.
*According to the National Academies, Long COVID, present for at least 3 months, can manifest in more than 200 symptoms and medical conditions, including exacerbation of pre-existing conditions, and conditions affecting multiple organ systems.
Every 'Like' and 'Comment' on the official YouTube link helps us win the Awareness Award and brings more visibility to the Long COVID community!