Following its inaugural launch last year, the Singapore Mental Health Film Festival is making its return this Feb 27-Mar 1 with more movie and short film screenings, panel discussions, as well as the addition of workshops this time around.
Akin to its first edition, expect seven feature films once more. At the National Gallery Singapore, catch Freedom Writers that’s based on a true story of a teacher hoping to empower her at-risk students; My Skinny Sister which offers a look at eating disorders; Happiness, a Cantonese movie about dementia; as well as Little Tickles, a French film addressing the consequences of unremedied childhood trauma.
A must-watch is The Land of Not Knowing, a bold, experimental documentary where four artists talk openly about suicide. Meanwhile, Guang spotlights two brothers and their struggle to make ends meet as the older one copes with attention defiency disorder. Then there’s Beautiful Boy, which delves into the issues that addictions bring.
Shorts such as Kaeru by Denise Chan—about a darkroom photographer who struggles with self-doubt—and We are All Here—which focuses on friends and families dealing with the aftermath of a loved one’s suicide—will also be screened at the arts venue.
But that’s not all. Movement workshops will be conducted too. Check out Bodily Connections, which allows participants to better understand expressions through non-verbal communication, and Percussive Pulse that builds on dance techniques while having the accompaniment of live percussion music. Don’t forget to sign up for therapeutic classes like Yin Yoga with Sound Healing or Calmness with Clay; both will help you reconnect with yourself and relieve stress.
Take time to plan your growth and wellness for 2020 too. Taking Action towards Personal Wellness will not only provide first-hand accounts from peer support specialists about their recovery journeys, but it will also let you create your own wellness kit to take home.
Clearly delivering on its promise of coming back bigger and better, head down to the Singapore Mental Health Film Festival to take charge of your mental health and learn more regarding the issues surrounding this heavy topic.
The Singapore Mental Health Film Festival returns Feb 27-Mar 1 at the National Gallery Singapore. More information available here.
