Seishin
Mental
- Release Date
- June, 13th, 2009
- Running Time
- 135 min
- Genre
- Documentary
- Color
- Color
- Screening Format
- HDV,HDCAM/Digital BetaCam/DVCAM
- Screen Size
- HD (16:9)
- Sound Processing
- Stereo
[ Directed by ]
[ Produced by ]
[ Cast ]
[ Staff ]
- SODA Kazuhiro ── Cinematography
- SODA Kazuhiro ── Editor
- KASHIWAGI Kiyoko ── Production Associate
[ Production Company ]
Laboratory X
[ Distributor (Japan) ]
ASTAIRE
[ Story ]
The second film from Soda Kazuhiro, who ushered in a new style of documentary filmmaking with Campaign, which followed a stamp and coin seller who ends up running for city council. In Mental, Soda's "observational style," which eschews music, narration and explanations, captures the patients and staff at a mental health clinic in a matter-of-fact manner.
The Chorale Okayama mental health clinic in Okayama City, where patients from all walks of life seek help from head doctor Yamamoto Masatomo. A woman repeatedly slits her wrists and wants to die breaks down in tears; A man afflicted with mental health issues since his teens attempts to express himself through photography and poetry; Another patient aiming to become more independent by learning to cook frankly conveys his anxieties about growing old. On the other hand, the clinic staff wage what seems like a daily battle with a government bureaucracy that aims to reduce medical care costs by cutting services. Meanwhile, a legislative bill regarding support for persons with disabilities moving through the Diet raises even more concern for the clinic employees and patients alike.
[ Official Site ]
http://http://www.laboratoryx.us/mental/
[ Premiere ]
World Premiere: Pusan International Film Festival 2008
[ Film Festivals, Awards ]
Nyon International Documentary Film Festival 2009
Hong Kong International Film Festival 2009 Outstanding Documentary
Miami International Film Festival 2009 Special Jury Mention
Dubai International Film Festival 2008 Best Documentary
Pusan International Film Festival 2008 Best Documentary
[ Contact (International) ]
ASIAN SHADOWS
Rep: Isabelle GLACHANT
Attn: Lya LI
E-mail: lya@chineseshadows.com
http://www.asian-shadows.com