Films that change the script on mental health
The biographical documentary “David Lynch: The Art Life” and Danny Boyle’s 1996 dark comedy “Trainspotting” will be among the seven films screened at the second annual Changing the Script film festival May 3 to 6.
The four-day movie festival, sponsored by the Art Gallery of Hamilton and McMaster University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, explores film themes of mental health.
“Film provides an opportunity to address and discuss difficult subjects,” says Ryan Ferguson, AGH film curator.
Each film will be followed by a panel discussion. Screening locations are AGH Annex, 118 James St. N., and the Lincoln Alexander Centre, 160 King St. E.
The festival coincides with Mental Health Week. Wednesday, May 3 Burden (Tim Marrinan/Richard Dewey, USA, 2016, documentary). A portrait of Chris Burden, an artist who pushed the limits of creative expression and risked his life in the name of art. AGH Annex, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 4 Laurence Anyways (Xavier Dolan, Canada, 2012, drama). The life of a literature teacher named Laurence who transforms himself into a woman after years of concealing his feelings. AGH Annex, 7 p.m.
Friday, May 5 David Lynch: The Art Life (John Nguyen/Rick Barnes, USA/ Denmark, 2016, documentary) Acclaimed film director David Lynch takes us on an intimate journey through the formative years of his life. Lincoln Alexander Centre, 6:30 p.m.
Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, UK, 1996, drama) A trip through the darkest recesses of Edinburgh low-life, focusing on Mark Renton and his attempt to give up his heroin habit. Lincoln Alexander Centre, 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 6
La Strada (Federico Fellini, Italy, 1954, drama). Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film, “La Strada” is a poetic fable of love and cruelty. Lincoln Alexander Centre, 4 p.m.
The Stairs (Hugh Gibson, Canada, 2016, documentary). Winner of the Toronto Film Critics Association’s Best Canadian Film of 2016, “The Stairs” a non-judgmental character study of life on society’s margins. Lincoln Alexander Centre, 6:30 p.m.
Clean Shaven (Lodge Kerrigan, UK, 1993, Drama). The story of a young schizophrenic man who is desperately trying to get his daughter back from her adoptive family. Lincoln Alexander Centre, 9 p.m.
Tickets — $10 or $8 for AGH members — can be purchased online at artgalleryofhamilton.com, by phone at 905-527-6610, ext. 252, in person at the AGH or the screening venue 30 minutes prior to start time.