A Mind Altering Film Festival

A Mind Altering Film Festival - media release

Films can change the way in which people view others. Changing Minds, an Auckland-based not for profit organisation is putting on a free Film Festival as part of the Big reTHINK for Mental Health Awareness Week (8-13 October 2012).

Changing Minds take the view that “mental illness” is something that belongs within a social context and this is reflected in the festival’s programming. "We're told time and time again that we have a mental health crisis in New Zealand and I think it is important to remember that “mental illness” isn't something that exists within a vacuum - there is always a wider social context." says Tina Helm, manager of Changing Minds.

The programme will include American documentary Crooked Beauty - a truly cinematic and mind-expanding experience that takes the viewer on a journey through the space between trauma, madness, and brilliance. Other films in the programme include Mental Notes, Squeegee Bandit, Intersexion and the NZ premier of Sundance London short film winner Extrajanero. A presentation and panel discussion will be held on Saturday 13th October to address how film-makers can adequately represent diverse human experience, with film experts: Jim Marbrook (film-maker), Mark Sweeney (NZ Film Archive), and Dr Dean Manley (PhD Film).

The festival will be held across two venues - Academy Cinema and Kenneth Myers Centre and is being supported by the New Zealand Film Archive and the Waitemata Local board. The entire programme will be available for free to ensure that there are no barriers to access for the unwaged or those on low incomes. The full programme can be found on the Changing Minds Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/changingminds.nz

Changing Minds provide information and advocacy services to people who experience mental health issues or addiction issues.

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