Films that make you think

The field of mental health can be complicated and fraught with ethical dilemmas, stigmas, and misconceptions. One group on campus is seeking to change that.

Novel Tech Ethics is a research team based at Dalhousie that examines the various ethical issues surrounding novel technologies, with specific focus on neuro- and genetic technologies, justice, and health policy.

Four years ago, Novel Tech Ethics research associate Tim Krahn initiated the States of Mind film series to showcase various issues to do with the ethics of mental health with the hope that it would encourage a dialogue between various community stakeholders. This year’s film series kicks off on Tuesday, January 19 with a screening of The Soloist, followed each consecutive Tuesday by Rachel Getting Married, Stop-Loss, and Little Miss Sunshine.

The films explore issues such as schizophrenia, suicide, addiction, abuse, and family dynamics, and will be followed by a panel discussion with Novel Tech ethicist Dr. Andrew Fenton, as well as various other experts with some knowledge in these specific fields.

States of Mind film series Jan. 19 — The Soloist Jan. 26 — Rachel Getting Married Feb. 2 — Stop-Loss Feb. 9 — Little Miss Sunshine Screenings begin at 7 p.m. in the QEII Royal Bank Theatre, on the main floor of the Halifax Infirmary, 1796 Summer St. For details, speaker bios and suggested discussion points, see www.noveltechethics.ca. Admission is free, but seating is limited.

“With mental health, there’s the condition itself and then there’s also the perception of the condition on a social scale,” says Mr. Krahn. “A lot of battles that persons with mental health fight are in the area of stigma, so most basically, the series is about raising awareness, fighting stigma, and creating avenues through which the different stakeholders who are all involved in mental health can interact with one another.”

The film series has been popular in past years, at times playing to packed houses. Mr. Krahn believes that this method of communication resonates with the community, because of its accessibility and its ability to bridge gaps between different demographics. “I think popular film presents a medium through which people can find a focal point for their interests that spans age, level of education, gender, and socioeconomics as well,” he explains.

He relates one story of an intensive care nurse who had worked in the stroke ward for 20 years, whose viewing of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly helped her to better understand the perspective of the patients she was helping.

But he is careful to point out that it’s not as though Novel Tech Ethics is doing all the sharing. “One of the points I think is to try to get us in contact with persons for whom these conditions are realities and hear what they have to say. I learn a lot from the audience, and I encourage the panelists to approach it in that way too.”

“It’s really important to note that our angle is research, but we need to connect with those for whom the research is supposed to have meaning and purpose,” he adds.