Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival opens

Spectacular launch in Kelvingrove museum

by Jennie Kermode

Kelvingrove Museum
Kelvingrove Museum Photo: Max Crawford

The Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival is opening in Glasgow today with a spectacular day of events at the Kelvingrove Museum. A fashion show, dance show and fan dance are all open open to the public, who are also invited to participate in open tai chi sessions. Several music events and workshops on arts-related subjects round out the day, and there will be a chance to meet Amal Azzudin, whose actions as a schoolgirl to help a friend in trouble, leading to a change in the law, are remembered in the documentary Glasgow Girls.

"Our festival was founded upon the belief that arts and film have the power to raise awareness of social injustice and to stimulate change. The result is a compelling programme which we hope will challenge, inspire and entertain," said festival director Lee Knifton, commenting on a programme of films and events whose theme, this year, is power.

Screenings coming up include Everybody's Child, which looks at the stresses of life on an Edinburgh housing estate, Stand Clear Of The Closing Doors, in which an autistic boy explores the world alone, and Regeneration, which reflects on the impact of the First World War 100 years ago.

We'll be bringing you ongoing coverage and interviews with the filmmakers here at Eye For Film.

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