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Vinfen film fest draws more than 300 to MFA
Attendees learn about psychiatric disabilities
On March 15, Vinfen not only celebrated its 30th anniversary in grand style but also communicated some very important messages about mental health, developmental disabilities and community-based care.
The day-long celebration, held at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, consisted of two parts: Moving Images, a six-hour film festival about mental illness and developmental disabilities, and a 30th Anniversary Gala Reception honoring Bernie Carey and Gerry Morrissey, both of whom have dedicated more than three decades to advancing mental health services for Massachusetts citizens.
Moving Images, presented by Vinfen in conjunction with the Museum of Fine Arts Film Program, drew a crowd of more than 300, many of whom were mental health professionals or advocates. A group of approximately 250 attended the Gala Reception, which was held at the museum’s Bravo restaurant.
“It was an incredible day,” said Vinfen Director of Development Juliana Field, who organized the event. “The turnout exceeded our expectations and there was tremendous energy and compassion in the rooms. I think that everyone who attended came away with a little more knowledge of and compassion toward the issues involved with mental illness and developmental disabilities.”
The festival’s 14 films were divided into six sessions, each of which was followed by a panel discussion (some were an hour discussion) that included audience participation. Panelists represented a wide spectrum of people involved with mental health, including Vinfen staff, clinicians from other organizations, artists, filmmakers, advocates and individuals served.
“We heard and saw many different perspectives during the films and the panel discussions,” said Gary Lamson, President and CEO of Vinfen. “That’s what this festival was designed to do – make people aware of the issues, start talking about them and get more involved.”
A common concern in the panel discussions was the nationwide lack of adequate mental health programs.
“There is a big difference,” pointed out Lisa Halpern, Program Director of Vinfen’s Baycove Recovery Center, “between living a life and surviving – and having a life and thriving.”
Several of the films – such as A Revolving Door, Isn’t She Lovely and Imagining Robert – focused on the challenges of the current mental health system. Other films, like The Life and Art of Judith Scott and Bohill Wong, celebrated the triumphs of individuals who have flourished in therapeutic environments.
Front Wards, Back Wards, a documentary about the Fernald School in Waltham, Mass., provided a historical context for mental health care and drew the largest crowd of the day. Lars and the Real Girl, an Academy Award nominee, focused on acceptance and nurturance as a foundation for treatment.
Many of the films dealt with the family’s role – and frustrations – in dealing with mental illness and developmental disabilities.
The day started with a touching welcome video by former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis and his wife Kitty, who did not shy away from the fact that she has been an advocate for mental health reform as well as a client receiving services. It ended with a tribute to two giants of the mental health industry, Morrissey and Carey. In between, more than 500 people were able to get an inside look at – and hopefully a greater understanding of – mental illness and developmental disabilities.
Contact:
Shawn Middleton: (617) 441-1896
middletons@vinfen.org
Howard Newman: (617) 441-1726
newmanh@vinfen.org
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