2012 Film Festival

King’s Park: Stories of an American Mental Institution

On June 21, 1967, at the age of 17, Lucy Winer was committed to the female violent ward of Kings Park State Hospital following a series of failed suicide attempts. More than 30 years later, Lucy returns to King’s Park to learn the story of the now-abandoned institution that once held her captive. Her meetings with other former patients, their families, and the hospital staff reveal the painful legacy of our state hospital system and the crisis left by its demise.

The film is followed by a discussion with Producer and Director Lucy Winer, Wildlight Productions, and facilitated by Robert Bernstein, PhD, CEO of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. Berstein leads a discussion on ethical issues — such as involuntary commitment, meaningful treatment, fulfillment of obligations for treatment with dignity and respect — relating to treatment of individuals with serious mental illness in state hospitals. He steers us from examining the consequences of deinstitutionalization to reviewing the implications of the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision for serving individuals with serious mental illnesses.  This educational session also qualifies for continuing education credits. 
  
Monday, April 16, 2:15 pm – 5:00 pm

Preview a clip of the film here.

Living with Schizophrenia: A Call for Hope and Recovery

Ashley proudly runs a nonprofit support group and maintains a large following on her blog about schizophrenia. Joshua is a successful peer counselor mentoring those in the justice system. Rebecca, a published author and blogger, is achieving her dreams of helping others through her writing. Ashley, Joshua, and Rebecca have all been diagnosed with schizophrenia and are all enjoying rich, meaningful lives. “Living with Schizophrenia” explores the lives of these three individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, a chronic brain disorder that can be severe and disabling. The film, aimed at reducing the fear and stigma associated with schizophrenia, tells the stories about living with schizophrenia that do not make the headlines — the stories of hope and promise. 

Join a Q & A session with some of the stars following the screening. Rebecca Phillips and her mother Claire Phillips share their personal journey and explain how they can now laugh at hard times. Dr. Rebecca Roma, medical director of the community treatment team at Mercy Behavioral Health in Pittsburgh, PA, discusses how we can reduce the fear and stigma around mental illness.

Monday, April 16, 10:00 am – 11:30 am  

My Brother Mike

“My Brother Mike” is an award-winning documentary about the power of music and a loving family coping with mental illness. Mike dreamed of becoming a rock‘n’ roll star, but mental illness came between him and his dream. His sister, Lisa, fearing that his lifetime of music would be lost forever, set out to capture his energetic piano playing and original Boogie Woogie blues/rock songs with her home video camera. Captivating interviews with family members and footage of Mike in recording sessions and playing for Alzheimer’s patients are joyful, funny, and moving. What began as an archival project became an inspiring feature documentary, an album (Tuesday Side of The Street), and a loving tribute to Michael, his parents, and his siblings who care for him.

Screening followed by Q & A with director Lisa Sheridan, an independent film maker.

Sunday, April 15, 3:15 pm – 4:45 pm

Unguarded

Chris Herren was drafted into the NBA despite failing drug tests. Just as
he realized his childhood dream of becoming a star for his home team, the Boston Celtics, Chris fell into a 10-year addiction spiral. He bounced from team to team, country to country. Ultimately, Chris found redemption and personal fulfillment through the game, but only after it led him down a path of alcohol and drug addiction that nearly killed him.

Tuesday, April 17, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm