TIMBA 2nd Canberra Mental Health Film Festival Sat 12th Oct Gungahlin

01:04:50 Depression and Me (UK) ,

Eva Rycroft directs this personal film on Alastair Campbell's exploration of a range of new treatments for depression. 

Campbell is best known for his role as Tony Blair’s formidable and often contentious spin doctor but, away from the public eye, he has been dogged by crippling bouts of depression for most of his life. Some days, just getting out of bed is too hard. Therapy and anti-depressant medication is helping him but he is looking for more.  

00:01:47 One and Other (UK) 

Director Danielle Singer Moore has made this short film to challenge the stigma and discrimination held towards those who live with the challenges of a mental health diagnosis.  

00:11:22 Alter (Brazil)

Director Francieli Schwantes of Brazil has made a film aimed at fighting the stigma around Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) which is normally portrayed in popular culture as something bad or dangerous. Alter puts you in the shoes of a woman with DID, so that the audience experiences her day to day life in order to raise empathy and understanding.   

00:25:00 The Star of Therapy (Can)

Director Bryce Iwaschuk of  Canada has made a gently humorous satire. When Kendra is admitted into group therapy, she becomes overly competitive about completing her weekly goals. She has a particular rivalry with a group member who has OCD.   

00:10:34 Finding Strength to Heal (USA) 

Director Michael Boctor of the  USA has made this film to highlight the lived experience of being a survivor of campus sexual violence. The goal of 'Finding the Strength to Heal' is to give voice to an often silenced population. The film was based on Laura Sinko's doctoral research project with the goal of highlighting the strength and power of survivors, while providing awareness, education, and hope that healing is possible after sexual assault. The actresses in this film serve as surrogate speakers for the survivors interviewed to protect their confidentiality.   

00:25:10 Seeking Sanctuary (USA). 

The Director has chosen to be anonymous after a lifetime of battling addictions.  What if our personal tragedies hold the greatest key to wellness? A woman seeks to transform her struggles with trauma into a renewed sense of self at a shamanic healing center in Sedona.