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Our House

Thursday April 15, 2004 – 7:30pm
USA 2003. Director: Sevan Matossian

This cinema verite-style documentary captures with unflinching honesty a year in the lives of three unique residents with developmental disorders who live at Sueno House in Santa Barbara. Laura survived sexual and physical abuse, a gender transformation, and 10 years in a state hospital. Tim is a 47-year-old alcoholic with cerebral palsy and severe behavioural problems. Tim S. has Down’s syndrome, is on probation and is facing the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood. Filmed with a production budget of less than $1000.00 by Sevan Matossian, who also lived and worked at Sueno House, the film leaves little doubt that life in the house is often loud, chaotic and stressful. Daily routines are frequently interrupted by behavioural outbursts, 911 calls and emergency-room visits. Yet there are also moments of remarkable tenderness and courage in Matossian’s uncompromising labour of love. Winner of multiple prizes, including Best Documentary at Nodance 2003, Cinequest 2003 and MidCoast Film & Arts Festival, 2003. Colour, DVCam. 83 mins.

The program will include a post-screening discussion with:
Dr. Robin Friedlander, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Dept of Psychiatry; Clinical Director, West Coast & Fraser Valley Mental Health Support Teams and BC Children’s Hospital Neuropsychiatry Clinic.
Dr. Caron Byrne, Clinical Assistant Professor, UBC Dept of Psychiatry; Psychiatrist, Island Mental Health Support Team.

Evening moderated by:
Dr. Harry Karlinsky Director of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia.