UFC observes ‘Mental Health Awareness Month’ with film screening

Aligarh : Members of the University Film Club (UFC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) came together to open discussion on using cinema as therapeutic tool with a special screening of Gauri Shinde’s ‘Dear Zindagi’ at the Kennedy Hall Auditorium.

The movie, documenting a tumultuous period in the life of a cinematographer who seeks professional help to overcome her problems was shown as a part of the UFC ‘Mental Health Awareness Month’ observations.

“Cinema can be a powerful, transformative catalyst with the capability to ignite important discussions on issues. Needless to say, ‘Dear Zindagi’ does much for mental health. It is rare to have a film meet the issue of mental illness, on its own turf and render it accurately and appropriately”, said Syed Suhaib (UFC Secretary) in the welcome note.

Hosting the event, Alvina Rais Khan spoke about how mental health stories on screen present opportunities to raise awareness, support education and broaden understanding about mental health experiences.

“The idea behind screening of the movie is to make people understand that films made on issues of mental health can change the way we think, feel, and ultimately deal with life’s ups and downs”, stressed Ahmad Mudassir (Programme Co-ordinator).

Delivering a talk on ‘Mental Health’, Madihah Danish (UFC Member) said that an increasing number of therapists are prescribing movies to help their patients explore their psyches. Cinema is becoming a tool to help those in therapy achieve their goals and overcome their hurdles.

Mahvish Fatima, also a UFC member, highlighted the role of therapy and mental health treatments especially amongst the youth of India.

She also spoke about the deep roots of mental stability and its dependence on the mainstream media.

Abdullah Iftikhar said that Gauri Shinde’s ‘Dear Zindagi’ shows well-researched therapist skills.

“The movie does justice to the unique, therapist-client relationship”, he added.