August 12, 2020

Irish film takes on mental health

Mental health among the Irish community is under the microscope in the latest online film offerings from Irish Film London (IFL). 

During the COVID-19 crisis, mental health has become an even more acute issue than ever, with people dealing with isolation, financial hardship and anxiety about health issues, bereavement and their future.

Since the start of the lockdown, IFL has hosted its online platform, Irish Film From Home, showcasing some of the best Irish films from this year along with a host of other exclusive content. Now IFL is turning its attention to mental health with a programme of short films and documentaries, curated by Roisin Geraghty, on the subject from some of Ireland’s leading short film directors. 

The IFL also teams up with icap, a charity offering counselling and psychotherapy mainly to the Irish community in Britain. Icap counsellor and psychotherapist, Maureen Slattery Marsh, discusses online the common issues among Irish people in the UK and provides useful tips and practical techniques to manage anxiety and depression on a daily basis.

Kelly O’Connor, IFL Founder and Director, said: “Mental health is an issue that is often hidden away. That has been true in many Irish communities. We want IFL to be part of bringing this crucial issue into the open and discussing it in a healthy and positive way.”

Among the film highlights is Hum, an intimate portrait of musician Kevin Nolan and his navigation of, and struggles with, schizoaffective disorder; imbuing the pivotal role which music plays in his life, work, and mental health

Exploring PTSD and the often unexpected and abrupt nature of residual trauma, The Tattoo takes a profound, penetrating and highly visceral journey with a Holocaust survivor, in the wake of a shocking discovery at the New York funeral home in which she works.

Wishbone is an authentic, cerebral and narratively unconventional character study, reflecting on the insidious nature of eating disorders and toxic friendships on ones physical and mental health.

Roisin Geraghty, programme curator, said: “This programme of narrative and documentary short film examines the ever-evolving status of the mind; these films affirm the importance of instigating and encouraging advocacy, and creating open non-judgmental dialogue around mental health.”

IFL runs the annual Irish Film Festival London (IFFL), the largest international festival of Irish film. It aims to return with the 10th IFFL later this year but in the meantime IFL is serving up cinematic treats online for Irish film fans in the UK, and around the world. 

For more on the counselling and psychotherapy services of icap go to: www.icap.org.uk

This programme was made possible by the COVID-19 Response Fund from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland.