The Rendezvous With Madness Film Festival (RWM) returnts to Toronto to bring us cinematic representations of mental health and addiction. The six-day festival showcases over 20 programs of feature and short films, multi-media installations, live performances and visual arts exhibitions. Programs include a thematic, moderated post-screening panel discussion with filmmakers, people living with the experience of the issue explored, a health care professional and a special interest person.

Being that I work in the mental health field, each year, I try to attend a few screenings at RWM along with otehr live performances and art exhibitions. The film program includes some great choices this year, I’ve chosen a few to bring to your attention.

Tuesday, Nov. 12 – 6:30 p.m. @ TIFF Bell Lightbox
PANDI
Maria-Saroja Ponnambalam, Canada. English and Hindi with English subtitles

After years of family silence, director Maria-Saroja Ponnambalam investigates her uncle Pandi’s unexplained death. Pandi, an atheist and aspiring film director, only began experiencing symptoms of mental illness after migrating from India to Canada. A mix of home videos, letters and animated scenes from Pandi’s last script uncover the disjointed state of his mind towards the final phase of his life. Pandi’s shifting ideologies and delusions are reflected through his alter ego “PONDY,” a fashion designer and a prophet of consumerism. Pandi becomes a symbol for the paradox of the “Canadian dream,” through the power of its appeal and disillusionment.

Members of the Ponnambalam family will be in attendance.

Tuesday, Nov. 12 – 8:30 p.m. – TIFF Bell Lightbox
LUDWIG II
Marie Noëlle & Peter Sehr, German and French with English subtitles.
This lush period piece tells the story of one of Bavaria’s most unique rulers, King Ludwig II, a staunch pacifist who believed that all of the world’s problems could be solved with art. A visual feast.

Wednesdsay, Nov. 13 – 9 p.m. – TIFF Bell Lightbox
WINTER IN THE BLOOD
Alex and Andrew J. Smith, USA.

Based on the James Welsh (Fools Crow) novel of the same name, Winter in the Blood tells the story of Virgil First Raise (Twilight’s Chaske Spencer) as he searches for his wife, the gun she took with her, and a spiritual alternative to alcohol in coping with the death of his brother.

Co-writer/director Alex Smith will be in attendance.

Thursday, Nov. 14 – 9:15 p.m. – TIFF Bell Lightbox
CANADIAN SHORT FILM PROGRAM
This inspiring program of Canadian short films, exploring personal issues and stories of mental illness and addiction. Two of the shorts that stood out for me are: The Toaster, directed by Michaël Lalancette; and Anxious Oswald Green, directed by Marshall Axani.

Saturday, Nov. 16 – 6 p.m. – Workman Arts Theatre
THE DEVIL’S NEEDLE
Chester Withey, USA, 1916. Silent with English intertitles
Banned in its original release, and long-thought a lost film, this restoration of The Devil’s Needle tells the story of a young heroin addict and artist’s model (silent film superstar, Norma Talmadge) who, for fear of being replaced by another woman, recommends to her employer and the object of her affection that he use heroin to rekindle his creative inspiration. Presented with an original score composed by Kerry Westell, and performed by Justin Haynes.

I’ll also have a spotlight on RWM’s Program Manager Jeff Wright very soon. Come back and take a peek, and also join in at RWM. Mental health awareness is key; regardless of how it is addressed.

RWM offers an array of other programs for you to join in. Make sure to visit rendezvouswithmadness.com for updates, box office, and event information.