Surviving Myself - The Collective is a series of short films inspired by the experiences of writer/direct Juan Cálix through the sobriety journey while in a committed relationship. Each film is based on a principle of one of the first three steps of the 12-Step Program.

The Collective invites audiences to ask themselves if there is a limit to unconditional love.

Part I: Powerless, A look into where the choice to use takes an individual. It’s a descent into pleasure and chaos, showing how truly powerless an addict becomes in the face of the drug.

Part II: Sanity, An exploration around how even if one has put down the drug and abstained, they are never truly rid of themselves and the reasons they used in the first place.

Part III: Surrender (in development), Asks the question “what is one willing to sacrifice to maintain their sobriety”?

Part I: Powerless is an official selection of the Newark LGBTQ Film Festival 2026. (in collaboration with Juan Cálix Productions)

Part II: Sanity wrapped principal photography in March 2026. (a film from (k)nightingale studios and Juan Cálix Productions)

Part III: Surrender is in development with Juan Cálix Productions and (k)nightingale studios.