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Vinfen to present film fest at MFA March 15
Films offer perspectives on developmental disabilities and mental illness
With more than 160,000 people in the Commonwealth challenged by developmental disabilities and mental illness, Vinfen Corporation believes that the time is right to confront the lines that divide us. That is why Vinfen has partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts to present Moving Images, Boston’s first festival of films by and about individuals with these issues.
This unique event, held in conjunction with the Museum of Fine Arts Film Program, takes place Saturday, March 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. at the Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. It is free of charge and open to the public. No tickets are required.
“We believe that an important part of Vinfen’s mission is to foster dignity and respect for people with developmental disabilities and mental illness,” said Gary W. Lamson, president and CEO of Vinfen, a recognized leader in Massachusetts community health and human services. “Our hope is that this festival will inspire meaningful dialogue and increased awareness about concerns that face millions of individuals and their families across the nation.”
Continuing Education Units will be offered by the Massachusetts Mental Health Center for psychologists, nurses, certified counselors, social workers, and licensed marriage and family therapists who attend the Festival.
Ranging from a four-minute short to feature-length presentations, the films include Academy Award nominee “Lars and the Real Girl” and “Front Wards, Back Wards,” a moving documentary about the Fernald School in Waltham, Massachusetts. In all, 14 films will be shown on two screens at the MFA.
Films are grouped into six sessions. Following each session, there will be an audience discussion with expert panelists to explore topics in the films. Panelists include clinicians, filmmakers, artists and individuals receiving services.
An opening ceremony, featuring a welcome video by honorary chairs Governor Michael and Mrs. Kitty Dukakis, will take place at 10:30 a.m. A private Gala Reception, celebrating Vinfen’s 30th anniversary will follow the film festival.
Click here for film schedules and a list of panelists as well as links to film capsules and clips.
Attendance at the film festival does not include access to the museum’s exhibits. The museum is fully ADA accessible; wheelchair seating will be available 15 minutes before each session.
Event sponsors include the Alberts Foundation, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Partners Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, Clear Channel Outdoor, Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare, the Inavale Foundation, Last Minute Productions, Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities, Shaw’s and The Museum of Fine Arts.
ABOUT VINFEN
Vinfen is a private, nonprofit human services organization that provides a comprehensive array of services to children, adolescents and adults with psychiatric, developmental and behavioral disabilities. Vinfen serves more than 7,000 individuals with day programs, vocational services and supervised residential facilities in eastern Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.
Contact:
Shawn Middleton: (617) 441-1896
middletons@vinfen.org
Howard Newman: (617) 441-1726
newmanh@vinfen.org
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