The first and largest mental health film festival in the world, Rendezvous with Madness (RWM), presented by Workman Arts (WA), returns to the TIFF Bell Lightbox from November 10 – 15 for its 22nd edition. The six-day festival will showcase over 20 programs of feature and short films.
For those of you who have yet to attend RWM, here are some key screenings that I think you do not want to miss.
On November 10th, the festival opens with Rocks in My Pockets by Latvian American filmmaker Signe Baumane, is an animated feature that looks at family genetics and their role in mental health.
Please note that the opening night screenings has sold out with only rush tickets available. However, Rock in My Pockets will screen again on November 15th with tickets still available.
On Tuesday, November 11th, the film Gabriel explores early episode psychosis with a dramatic film starring Rory Culkin. The discussion to follow will provide a close-up account of psychosis and its impact on the family. Clinicians who work with families will be sure to want to tell them about this program.
On Thursday, November 13th the Belgian documentary Don’t Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas) looks at the topic of suicide from a tragicomedy perspective. Is there room for humour when dealing with a serious subject matter? Stay for the post-film discussion to find out.
Don’t Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas) was a favourite of mine from this years Hot Docs Documentary Film Festival. In my opinion, there is room for humour when dealing with a serious matter, such as alcohol dependence. There is also room for friendship, as we see depicted rather bittersweetly in this film. This film has left a long-lasting impression on me.
On Friday, November 14th, No No: A Dockumentary. This is a film about Dock Ellis, reportedly the only pitcher to have hit a no-hitter while high on LSD. This documentary also highlights Ellis’ contributions to the civil rights of black athletes, recovering from amphetamine addiction, and eventually becoming an addictions counsellor. This could be particularly helpful and encouraging to anyone who currently finds themselves struggling with methamphetamine. If it persuades just one person to look for a drug test, from places like Countrywide Testing, (https://www.countrywidetesting.com/collections/methamphetamine-met-drug-tests) to start their road to recovery, then it would have done its job in making more people realize that their life can be turned around if they get the relevant help. So, make sure you go and view it whilst you have the chance. It could truly make a difference.
RWM closes on Saturday, November 15th with Stray Dog. The film is a portrayal of a Viet Nam War vet who is still dealing with that part of his past, while adjusting to life including being married, being a biker, and a vet.
I have yet to see many of these films, but this does not lessen the fact I think they are worth checking out. As well, I encourage you to stay for the Q&A following each RWM screening, as mental health professionals, filmmakers, and others usually engage in a lively discussion.
All film screenings will take place at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. For a full schedule, box office and tickets information, please visit rendezvouswithmadness.com/2014-schedule.
