Film Showcase Celebrates Achievements Of People With Mental Health Problems, London

Main Category: Mental Health
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 29 Oct 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Three remarkable films written, directed and acted by people with severe mental health problems in north London will appear on the big screen at the Holloway Odeon on 7 November 2008.

The films, which offer a unique insight into the issues faced by people with mental health conditions, were made by residents of mental health organisation St Martins, a specialist housing association that provides housing, care and support to people leaving secure and medium secure hospitals, and people with severe mental illness. They are the result of a two-year partnership with creative arts organisation Art of Life.

The showcase screening will include Whether You Fall, a powerful documentary about the goals and aspirations of the residents of St Martins and a celebration of individuality and uniqueness as well as friendship and community.

The progamme also includes The Escape, which follows the tribulations of a man making a fresh start and The Legend of Jason Tristan, in which a man mourning his father's death discovers he has paranormal powers.

St Martins resident Oliver Bowes, who devised and directed The Legend of Jason Tristan, has been working with Art of Life since January 2008.

Oliver says, 'I think it is good to have such a service to help people who have suffered from mental illness or been in prison, it gives them a chance to show their inner, true selves and creativity, and brings the good natured side out of them and their hidden talent. I hope this kind of project continues to help once-forgotten people who are in worse situations, as I was when I was weak at a time in my life.'

Ibi Vaughan, Creative Director and Workshop Facilitator at Art of Life, worked on the films with the St Martin's residents. She says, 'We provide residents with the platform, the equipment and the materials to explore their creativity and these films are the result. As well as enabling them to explore new skills, the process has increased people's confidence, helped them to communicate and to build relationships.'

John Thompson, Chief Executive of St Martins, 'We are proud to showcase these films, which are one aspect of our approach to promote the recovery and social inclusion of our residents. Making the films has led to an increase in their personal stability, confidence and self esteem.'

Members of the press are invited to attend the showcase. Contact:
Ginette Goulston-Lincoln
Email: ginette@goulston-lincoln.com

Showcase details:

Whether You Fall: a screening of three films made by people with mental health problems
Date: 7 November 2008
Time: 1.00-3.00pm
Venue: Holloway Odeon, 419-427 Holloway Road, London, N7 6LJ
Tickets: a limited number of tickets are available for the public, contact Trish Macmanus, 020 7704 3820
Press tickets are available by prior arrangement, contact Ginette Goulston-Lincoln, ginette@goulston-lincoln.com

St Martins is a leading specialist provider of community forensic services in London, and works in partnership with a range of public sector bodies, from local authorities to the NHS. St Martins has an excellent reputation for providing good quality, well managed accommodation and specialist support services for people with complex needs who have been involved with the forensic mental health, criminal justice or psychiatric systems. http://www.stmartinoftours.org.uk/forensic.htm

Art of Life is a creative arts organisation that aims to enhance personal and professional development through a range of unique, collaborative and interactive workshops and projects. Our goal is to create a platform for participants to explore their creativity in order to create, produce and inspire.

The Legend of Jason Tristan: A film by Oliver Bowes

Directed by Oliver Bowes and Ibi Vaughan (30 minutes)
A 25 year old man is involved in an incident which also kills his father. The accident affects him dramatically, and as a result of the accident he discovers that he has special powers, such as the ability to leave his body and predict things before they happen. His only dilemma is, will he use his powers for good or evil?

The Escape: By Isaac Batchelor

Directed by Isaac Batchelor and Ibi Vaughan (15 minutes)
A gets caught up in a spiral of bad luck whilst trying to start a new life of positivity. How will it all end?

Whether You Fall: A documentary about the aspirations and goals of the residents at St Martin of Tours

Directed by Ibi Vaughan (30 minutes)
A documentary that highlights the goals and aspirations of the residents at St Martin of Tours Housing Association. It is an audiovisual journey that explores themes of identity, environment, friendship and ambitions through music, poetry, dance and photography. The film is a celebration of individuality, diversity and uniqueness as well as friendship and community. It is about believing in yourself and never giving up on your dreams.

http://www.stmartinoftours.org.uk