DocUNight highlights mental health with HAFF short films! On the eve of World Mental Health Day, UN City Copenhagen will partner with the WHO Health for All Film Festival for the UN intra-agency initiative docUNight, screening award-winning HAFF films and officially selected on various themes related to mental health and well-being. The screening is followed by discussions and Q&As with experts, promoting conversation, actions and solutions to reduce stigma and improve well-being for all.
In the short films, we will meet ordinary people who struggle with mental health issues with extraordinary determination and resilience. Addressing topics such as depression, climate anxiety, schizophrenia, stigma or homelessness – combined with a strong message of hope – the short films highlight the importance of connecting with each other, improving dialogue and understanding.
The projection is part of the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organization and its journey towards health for all.
#Film4Health
List of short films
Part 1
WHO – The black dog of depression
At its worst, depression can be a frightening and debilitating illness. Writer and illustrator Matthew Johnstone tells the story of his victory over the “black dog of depression.”
“Shades of Love”
Depression affects every aspect of a person’s life, and often the entire family. After using Love Shades, a father and daughter realize their emotions and struggles are more similar than expected.
“Knock on my Door” – Winner of the 2020 HAFF Mental Health Film Award
Sham fled Syria and suffers from panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. With patience and empathy, the doctors find a way to help him.
Part 2
“Schizophrenia in me”
Despite the stigma and prejudice, Sebastián and his family discovered the good side of schizophrenia. This micro-documentary shows how schizophrenia can bring a family together and help them find each other.
“Generation Z – Stories about health and climate”
“Climate anxiety” is used to describe symptoms triggered by the climate and planetary crisis, sometimes also exacerbated by existing anxiety disorders.
“Bumper”
In this short film we meet Justin, who lives on the street with his dog Bumper, his friend, companion and reason not to give up.
Part 3
“I am naked” – Special mention from the HAFF 2023 jury
This short film addresses “revenge porn” and its devastating effects on victims, such as humiliation, depression, feelings of paralysis and anxiety.
“Gasping for Life” – Winner of the 2023 HAFF Student Prize
Social media can create connections – or be a source of anxiety and depression. The short animation highlights the feeling of drowning in the maze – but also of finding the exit.
“Mirrors” – Winner of the HAFF Very Short Film 2023
The category explores anxiety, self-doubt and depression, with the main characters confronting their deepest, darkest thoughts, as well as empathy and reconciliation. Director Paul Jerndal will participate in the panel discussion and Q&A.
About the panelists
Paul Jerndal
Paul Jerndal is an award-winning Swedish filmmaker and vocal advocate for mental health. Paul actively engages with non-profit mental health organizations and initiatives, using his films to raise awareness and spark positive change, sparking conversations that promote understanding, compassion and introspection.
Rune Jorgensen
Rune Jørgensen is a volunteer ambassador to One of us, a Danish government campaign to combat societal stigma associated with poor mental health. He also has 20 years of experience living with a mental health issue. Politically engaged, Rune sees his work as part of the fight against stigma and self-stigma in a broader context of society.
Dr Lédia Lazeri
Dr Ledia Lazeri is Regional Advisor for Mental Health at the WHO Regional Office for Europe. She leads WHO’s work on mental health in several areas such as policy and services, rights and advocacy, as well as the implementation of the WHO European Framework for Action on Mental Health . 2021-2025 and supporting the Pan-European Mental Health Coalition.
Background
Mental health is important
However, people with mental health problems rarely receive the help they need. Many people avoid disclosing a mental health problem because it often leads to discrimination and stigma: they may lose their job or have difficulty getting hired, be disadvantaged in queues for housing, and even move away from their friends and family.
Mental health services are underfunded and underfunded: For around 1 in 7 members of the European population suffering from a diagnosable mental health problem, governments on average allocate only around 3.0% of their health budgets to mental health services. Furthermore, there are only about 45 mental health workers per 100 000 people in the WHO European Region.
WHO launched the Pan-European Mental Health Coalition in 2021 to unite everyone who is already embracing the phrase “mental health matters”, whether they are healthcare professionals, academics or people living with mental health issues and their families. The overarching goal of the coalition is to create a space to share knowledge, wisdom and experience to improve mental health at individual, community, national and international levels.
The WHO film festival on health for all
The WHO Health for All Film Festival (HAFF) aims to mobilize a new generation of film and video innovators to champion global health issues, inviting independent filmmakers, production companies , NGOs, communities, students and film schools from around the world to submit their projects. original short films on health. During its fourth edition in 2023, European filmmakers highlighted mental health. HAFF received hundreds of applications from around the world, competing in the areas of universal health coverage, health emergencies, improving health and well-being, and sexuality and reproduction. Categories Health and rights, Climate change and health and Very short film. Since 2020, the Health for All Film Festival has gathered more than 4,300 applications from 110 countries.
