The Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF) in association with Airtel is organising a 3-day Film Festival 'Frame of Mind' from October 10th to October 12th at the South Indian Film Chamber, Anna Salai. The fest will see movies portraying various manifestations of disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, learning disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. The festival is happening in Chennai for the second time since 2006.
According to Dr. R. Thara, Director of SCARF, "This film festival is highly unique. All the feature films are based on mental disorders. Three movies will be screened in a day which will be followed by a discussion with a psychiatrist. Through this, people will be able to break away from the shackles of stigma and talk about mental disorders."
In addition to this, there is also a Competitive Section for short films. Fifty entries on the theme 'What is good mental health?' were received from people across the world, of which 20 have been finalised. A panel of jurists, including actress/director Revathy, will be selecting 3 to 4 winners of the short films to be screened during the film festival. The winners will be given cash awards from Airtel.
Says Rajiv Rajgopal, CEO of Airtel, Tamil Nadu, "Communication dissolves all boundaries and through this film festival, we want to reach people from all walks of life with an aim to enhance positive notions about the subject of mental disorder."
Noted film director, Mr. Rajiv Menon is also a part of this venture. "Mind is a difficult thing to project on screen and a great deal of effort goes into exposing any form of mental trauma. Most films provide misleading information about mental health. However, we have evolved, and today, detailed depiction is provided. This film festival will set everything straight. And through the competition, extra impetus will be given to the young filmmakers as well."
Actress Revathy forms an integral part of this International Film Festival. "Feature films are extremely powerful, as once depicted they tend to remain etched in our minds. Especially if the story touches your heart! Mental illness should not be misrepresented and this festival is a way to make sure we send the right message across."
The three-day film festival will be held from October 10th to 12th at the South Indian Film Chamber between 9am and 9pm.
Entry is free for all and there is no restriction on viewership.
The Valedictory function on 12th will see the presence of Directors Rajiv Menon and Mahesh Bhat as well as Radhika SarathKumar.
So don't miss out on this film festival! It's a great way to learn and dispel fears and cliched images of mental disorders!
Schedule of movies:
October 10: Vadakkumnathan (Malayalam), Iris (English) and Veyil (Tamil)
October 11: Oil on Water (English), The Aviator (English) and Taare Zameen Par (Hindi)
October 12: Hiding Divya (Hindi), Woh Lamhe (Hindi) and Canvas (English)
Rashmi Kumar