Bengaluru: Manotsava film festival to shine light on mental health through powerful narratives

Ahead of the much-anticipated Manotsava – National Mental Health Festival, a special film festival titled ‘Screening the Mind’ will explore the complexities of mental health through contemporary cinema. It will take place on October 19 from 11am at Bangalore International Centre, Domlur. Organized by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), NIMHANS, and the National Centre for Biological Sciences, the festival aims to bridge the gap between mental health research and the general public by showcasing stories that highlight the lived experiences of mental illness.

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Festival will screen six impactful films

The festival will screen six impactful films that touch on themes like caregiving, survival, hope, and recovery. As Natasha Joshi, Chief of Strategy at RNP, explains, while discussions and panels are important, films have a unique power to evoke deep emotional connections. "Films allow for a richer narrative, offering perspectives that might be difficult to access in other formats," she notes.

Among the featured films is the critically acclaimed Margarita with a Straw, which tells the story of a young woman with cerebral palsy. Other notable films include Dhoosar, exploring Alzheimer's from the perspective of both the patient and caregivers, and Invisible Chains, which addresses substance dependence. The festival will also feature Swagatam, Khidki, and Enso, each focusing on different aspects of mental wellness.

Manotsava, taking place on November 8 and 9 at The Lalit Ashok, aims to foster greater awareness and open dialogues about mental health, targeting audiences who may be less familiar with these issues.