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Showtime, Ranallo explore mental illness

Showtime in the US has commissioned a documentary chronicling sports announcer and commentator Mauro Ranallo’s life with mental illness.

Mauro Ranallo

Bipolar Rock ‘n’ Roller will feature behind-the-scenes video footage, candid personal interviews and accounts from Ranallo’s loved ones and doctors to show mental illness and its effects, Showtime said.

Ranallo is best known for commentating on boxing, mixed martial arts and WWE events and has long been an advocate for ending the stigma of mental illness.

Nearly 5% of the US population is said to have some form of bipolar disorder, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The documentary will premiere on the US cablenet on May 25 during Mental Health Awareness Month.

“Over the last several years I allowed my best friend Haris Usanovic to film me at my lowest points as well as at my highest. The idea is simply to show others who suffer that they are not alone and that, even when the outlook is bleak, you can overcome and achieve success,” said Ranallo.

The doc is produced by Brian Dailey, Showtime’s VP, sports digital content and strategy, and Malka Media Group.

In related news, Showtime will debut comic documentary series Just Another Immigrant (10×30′), starring British comedian Romesh Ranganathan, on June 8.

The series follows the stand-up comedian as he uproots his entire family to move from the UK to Los Angeles. It is a coproduction between Rangabee Productions, JSA Olive Oil and Renegade.

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