The fifth edition of FRAME OF MIND, a film festival on mental health will be held in Chennai from 28th- 30th September 2012.This festival is organized by Schizophrenia Research Foundation ( SCARF).
The film festival will be part of the International Conference On Schizophrenia IConS V scheduled around the same time.
Besides screening full length feature films depicting mental illness related issues in a positive and realistic manner from across the globe, several short films and documentaries will also be screened. Each film screening will be followed by a panel discussion by mental health professionals and media persons.
SCARF also announces a short film contest of upto 5 minutes duration on various themes related to mental health. The theme for this year’s competition is ‘MENTAL HEALTH IN DAILY LIFE’. Films upto 5 minutes duration in any format like drama, documentary, docudrama, animation, etc in English or any other language with English subtitles are welcome.
The shortlisted entries will be screened to a jury of eminent media and mental health persons who will choose the best films for cash prizes.. All shortlisted entries will be screened during the festival. The total prize money will be Rs.1 lakh. The prizes will be sponsored by Sundaram Finance limited.
Speaking to Animationxpress.com Dr.R.Thara-Director of SCARF said,”The primary aim of FRAME OF MIND was to counter the stereotypes and clichéd portrayals of mental illnesses in movies and to encourage positive and realistic depictions. To encourage this a competition section for short films for students and potential filmmakers or anyone with a keen interest in the issue has been included in every edition of FRAME OF MIND. The previous editions of the festival have seen some very nice and promising short films from young and inspired persons most of them students and future filmmakers. So we expect good participation from all over the country for this year.
The theme is broad and can kindle creativity in a keen and observant individual. The films can include themes related to having a mental illness (any type), living with a person with mental illness , the joys and woes of caregiving for chronic ailments ( both physical and mental) stress related to academics, relationships, marriage, work, family and friends and coping with them in everyday life .The films should be realistic, positive and avoid stereotypes.
Anyone who feels strongly about mental health related issues and wishes to express his or her opinion and thoughts on film can participate and send in entries” shared Dr.R.Thara.
Schizophrenia Research Foundation ( SCARF) is a non governmental organization in Chennai,working in the field of mental health for over 25 years to promote healthy attitudes and increase awareness about mental illnesses and related issues.
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