World Mental Health Day shines a light on mental health experiences.
Now, more than ever, we must recognise the importance of mental health, how it is intrinsically connected to our physical health, and how we can care for ourselves and each other, support community, sensitivity and share experiences and offer solidarity.
In 2020, The World Health Organisation, United for Global Mental Health and the World Federation for Mental Health issued a press release calling for greater recognition of the need for support services, citing:
“Mental health is one of the most neglected areas of public health. Close to 1 billion people are living with a mental disorder, 3 million people die every year from the harmful use of alcohol and one person dies every 40 seconds by suicide. And now, billions of people around the world have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is having a further impact on people’s mental health.
“Yet, relatively few people around the world have access to quality mental health services. In low- and middle-income countries, more than 75% of people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders receive no treatment for their condition at all. Furthermore, stigma, discrimination, punitive legislation and human rights abuses are still widespread.”
Often misrepresented, mental health stories on screen can add to stigma around mental health conditions. Taking opportunities to raise awareness, and supporting education, cinemas across the UK are screening films to broaden understanding about mental health experiences, and ignite important discussions about how we look after each other.
For this list of films that depict mental illness, the writers tried to find films that were engaging, at least somewhat realistic in their approach to presenting the experience of mental illness, and did not demonize or negatively portray (without reason) those who have mental illnesses.
To mark almost seven years of Minds on Film, here is an updated index of blogs in an archive. They are organised by specific psychiatric conditions or particular mental health issues, and some key titles are highlighted.
This guide includes a synopsis, questions to ask before and after watching the film, review writing tips, extension activities and suggestions of what to watch next in your film club.
Black History Month returns with a host of cinemas presenting screenings across the UK. BHM is a chance for cinemas launching or running year-round strands to showcase their offer, and bring standout Black talent to audiences, uncovering under-appreciated works and rediscovering films that have captured and impacted our culture significantly.
Of course, Black history should be interwoven into our education and cultural understanding all year round, not just for one month, but we still need to take opportunities to highlight the experiences of African diaspora people up to the current day. As an opportunity to raise up the stories of those who have been marginalised, Black History Month can be used as a vehicle to start or continue important conversations and continue creating change – in on-screen representation, recognition of cultural impact, and looking to a more inclusive future.
Black history matters. Black Lives Matter. You’ll find further resources here.
The early history of black filmmaking in the UK.
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Education Resources: UK Black History Resources
This booklet offers simple guidance on how local individuals, charities and groups in the UK can help welcome refugees into our communities. It explains some of the issues surrounding the process with materials and input from groups around the country.
The difference between teaching and critical pedagogy is vital to Handel Kashope Wright: ‘Critical pedagogy brings to the floor issues of social identity’ revealing where power resides and inequalities are preserved. ‘Multiculturalism’, ‘anti-racism’… terms often used without their cultural and historical meaning. Listen to Handel talk about how different politics, peoples, places intersect…
