Whether through irony, autobiography, or documentary, this month’s batch of VOD and web series recommendations all chip away at the fourth wall, that barrier that usually separates the world of the audience from the world of the art. Primavera Ruiz’s documentary, “Ata, Pintando Negro,” is about Ataúlfo Casado, who goes by Ata, a gifted painter who went blind at a young age. Ata’s degenerative disease and lack of sight are intrinsic parts of his art. This makes his commentary about his process and love of painting even more effective, as though he is simply conversing with the film’s viewers.

Similarly, Louise Hutt’s “Online Heroines” docuseries provides New Zealand’s women online content creators the chance to talk about their work and experiences. They use this spotlight as a way to communicate with their industry peers as much as they address the series’ audience. Theirs is a unique project because it is a two way street between the interviewees and the other New Zealand women making waves online.

The web series “Binge,” a comedic take on eating disorders, mental illness, and addiction, is sure to resonate with any young woman living in our image-obsessed culture. Plus, the main character’s (Angela Gulner, also the co-creator/co-writer) problems are even more sobering once you know about Gulner’s real-life struggles with bulimia. Her openness about her medical history removes a layer between the narrative and the audience. In effect, “Binge” isn’t just about a character and her battle with bulimia: It’s Gulner’s way of working through her past and helping others in need.

Finally, the sketch comedy series “Flip a Bitch” turns a satirical eye on absurd, run-of-the-mill sexism by flipping the script, that is, switching the gender roles. For example, one sketch depicts the lone male movie exec pitching a movie about a man to crickets and annoyed looks from the women in charge. From a team of women directors and writers, this web series basically winks at its audience via its WTF situations. Some people don’t realize how messed up modern gender dynamics are until they see men on the receiving end of the kind of bullshit that’s usually reserved for women.

Here are our VOD and web series selections for December.

VOD

“Ata, Pintando Negro” (Documentary) — Directed by Primavera Ruiz

In a cosmic joke worthy of Greek mythology or “The Twilight Zone,” Ataúlfo “Ata” Casado found out he was going blind just as he began to establish his career as a painter. And, like most people who find out they can’t do what they love to do, Ata experienced serious anger and depression, eventually stepping away from his work. Primavera Ruiz’s documentary follows Ata — now an elderly man — and his return to painting, with the help of an assistant, after a long hiatus.

Obviously, his eyesight has affected the scope and style of his work immensely (the title of the film translates to “Ata, Painting Black”). But, as the film suggests, the most important part of Ata’s return is his renewed passion for art and painting, and his continued devotion to capturing beauty, even when he can’t see it for himself. “When I’m painting I feel the same happiness I have always felt,” Ata says in the film. “Even if I can’t see the colors, I know some other people will.” Ruiz’s documentary emphasizes the inherent joy of creating art, especially when the art is important to others.

You can stream “Ata, Pintando Negro” on Seed&Spark.

Web Series

“Binge”—Co-Created and Co-Written by Angela Gulner

“Hey. I’m Angela. I was bulimic for 10 years. It was the fucking worst.” That is “Binge” co-writer, co-creator, and star Angela Gulner addressing her audience on the show’s website. The tone and style of that greeting is pretty much what you get when watching the series’ pilot. Gulner and her team make this comedy about eating disorders and mental illness harsh, funny, and real.

That feat alone ensures it stands out, but Gulner demands more from her project and her viewers. Citing the media’s dismal representation of mental health and women, the goal of “Binge” is to depict the actual ways eating disorders affect someone’s life. Contrary to Hollywood’s habit of using them to show a heroine is flawed or troubled, eating disorders aren’t quirks; they are harmful, disruptive, and scary. But the good news is, if the “Binge” pilot garners enough interest and support, there will be more episodes and better representation for those who struggle with eating disorders and other mental health issues. As Gulner tells her fellow survivors, “The cycle can end.”

Watch the “Binge” pilot on its website or YouTube.

“Flip a Bitch” — Written and Directed by Crystal Pastis, Julie Mitchell, Jessica Mosley, Erin Sazy, Veronica Pinkham, and Carissa Kosta

If you ever find yourself in an argument with someone who is adamant that society treats men and women the same, just play an episode of “Flip a Bitch.” Described as “a sketch show with a titty twist,” the series takes common sexist situations and flips the gender norms. Throughout the different sketches, women catcall men, a man has to explain that a movie that applies to half the population is worth making, and it’s a given that women earn more than men because duh. According to the “Flip a Bitch” creators, recent discussions about gender inequality have created buzz, but no real change. “Stats prove that the needle has yet to move,” as they phrase it. So, the team decided to produce stories underlining just how ridiculous gender inequality is, from a variety of industries and perspectives. Nothing puts double standards into stark relief quite as much as applying them to men.

Check out all available episodes of “Flip a Bitch” on its website, YouTube, or Cosmo.

“Online Heroines” (Docuseries) — Created by Louise Hutt

According to its press materials, Louise Hutt’s “Online Heroines” interview series provides “a view into the ambitions, struggles, and triumphs of being a New Zealand woman creating video content online.” Each episode sees Hutt interview female filmmakers, YouTubers, and web series creators from New Zealand. These discussions and their release as a series are an effort to promote community, support, and knowledge-sharing among the women and their peers. This makes sense as they all are “thriving in an industry which historically and currently locks them out from telling their own, authentic stories.” It’s easier to triumph over an oppressive system if you know you’re not alone.

Watch the entire series on the “Online Heroines” website.