Mental health issues depicted on the big screen can resonate deeply with audiences, fostering dialogue and understanding. Paul Jerndal, award-winning Swedish filmmaker and passionate mental health advocate, chose to channel his activism through film early in his career. On June 6, he was announced the winner of the 2023 Health for All Film Festival (HAFF) very short film category for his captivating short film “Mirrors.”
“Through film, we have the power to shine a light on the complexity of mental health issues, initiate meaningful conversations, and help destigmatize the challenges faced by countless people,” Jerndal said.
“Films and other artistic expressions can serve as catalysts for dialogue and real support, truly breaking down barriers. Accepting this prestigious award is a huge honor, but most importantly I hope it will further amplify the importance of mental health, reminding people that they are not alone in their fight against negative thoughts.
With his powerful short film starring Swedish celebrities Anis Don Demina, Cecilia von der Esch and Danny Saucedo, Jerndal delves into the depths of self-criticism and introspection. As the protagonists encounter their mirror images, confront their worst thoughts but also find their inner friend, the viewer is taken on a journey through striking visuals and evocative storytelling.
“Anyone can suffer from mental health problems at any time in their life – this has become particularly clear to all of us in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis. Despite this, there is still a lot of stigma attached to mental health problems,” highlighted Ledia Lazeri, Regional Advisor for Mental Health at WHO/Europe. “This is why cinema is such an important medium: it can help us see ourselves and our loved ones through those suffering from mental health problems.”
Lazeri continued: “Films can also have a lasting impact on policymaking and public perception. When a well-crafted film successfully addresses mental health issues, it has the potential to spark public interest and influence policymakers to prioritize mental health on their agendas. It’s great to see the contributions from the Health for All Film Festival that have had the courage to tackle this important topic, and among them, “Mirrors.”
Jerndal explained: “‘Mirrors’ was made with the support of a Swedish non-profit organization called 29k, which has previously collaborated with the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet to offer online chat services with psychologists. This is a great example of what art, partnerships and different stakeholders in society can achieve when they come together.
Throughout his film career, Jerndal has worked with national campaigns and non-profits in Sweden. He produced the award-winning suicide prevention film “Steps for Life” in 2017. Together with the Swedish Red Cross, he is currently running a three-year campaign called “How are you?” » (Hur mår du?) for young people from disadvantaged areas.
“The openness, dynamism and natural way in which young people talk about what they feel, if given space, is both inspiring and encouraging. My dream is that friends, families, classmates, teammates – everyone – dare to talk more about how they feel,” Jerndal said.
“One of the girls in the project said: “Somewhere in this world, right now, there is someone who feels exactly the same as you do right now. You’re not alone.’ This is exactly the phrase that actress Cecilia von der Esch says in “Mirrors”, and I think it’s very comforting and helpful for anyone who struggles with mental health issues.
Mental health problems are very common, affecting around 1 in 6 people in the WHO European Region. Most affected people do not receive treatment, in part because of stigma. Increasing social contact with people experiencing mental health issues is one of the best ways to reduce negative preconceptions and increase empathy, awareness and access to care.
For the fourth year in a row, HAFF received hundreds of applications from around the world, competing in the categories of Universal Health Coverage, Health Emergencies, Better Health and Well-being, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Climate Change and Health, and Very Short film.
Since 2020, HAFF has collected more than 4,300 submissions from 110 countries, illustrating the health challenges and opportunities people face across the world.
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The title of this article was changed on June 7, 2023. An earlier version referred to a Swedish producer instead of a filmmaker.
