Wednesday, March 15 - 7:30pm
Canada 2005. Director: Pierre
Tétrault.
The life of devoted father and celebrated poet Philip Tétrault has been one of love, art and madness. Also known as "Harry Two Hats", Tétrault has schizophrenia, and has endured long spells living on the streets of Montreal, as well as time locked up in jails and psychiatric wards. But he has also developed deep family bonds and friendships that have helped him come through periods of incredible darkness, and have inspired his extraordinary poetry.
At the heart of This Beggar's Description — a film made by Philip's brother Pierre — is this poetry, offering extraordinary insights into street life in Montreal, the beauty of nature, and what Tétrault calls "the gymnastics of my mind." Set alongside the songs of Tétrault's old friend and great supporter Leonard Cohen, the poetry and stories of PhilipTétrault provide a powerful and moving portrait of the far-reaching effects of schizophrenia, and one in which we are reminded that rather than continuing to isolate those individuals with schizophrenia, it is a far richer experience to make a place for them. Colour, DigiBeta. 60 mins.
Frames of Mind is a monthly film event utilizing film and video to promote professional and community education on issues pertaining to mental health and illness.
Post-screening discussion with Pierre Tétrault, filmmaker, playwright, actor and stage director, who makes his filmmaking debut with This Beggar's Description, which premiered at the 2005 Montreal World Film Festival.
Moderated by Dr. Harry Karlinsky, Director of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia.
Co-sponsored by the
the Canadian Mental
Health Association, Vancouver/Burnaby Branch and The National Film Board
of Canada.
The media sponsor of Frames of Mind is The
Ubyssey.
For more information on the film, see the March + April Pacific Cinémathèque Program Guide, or visit www.cinematheque.bc.ca/mar_apr_06/frames_of_mind.html
Categories: schizophrenia
