Psychosis documentary touches on stigma and hope at Rendezvous with Madness Festival

The documentary “Beyond Psychosis” created by CAMH’s LEARN (Learning Employment Advocacy Recreation Network) program has been accepted to the Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival, Workman Arts’ annual film festival that presents films addressing the facts and mythology surrounding mental health and addiction.

Rendezvous with Madness kicks off with its opening gala on Thursday, November 6 and runs until November 15. “Beyond Psychosis” screens at the Workman Theatre at CAMH’s Queen Street site on Tuesday, November 11, at 11:45 am.

L-R: Michael Wong, Patrick Tong, Malcolm Sutherland, Marie Asuncion, Laura Ferridge, Tara Laing (documentary director)

A few years ago, occupational therapists Tara Laing and Natalie Quick of the First Episode Psychosis unit, began what they called “Recovery Nights.” Young people in the LEARN program would come in and speak and take questions from family members and students about psychosis and recovery. Laing realized it would be very moving to capture the experience on film.

It was difficult for Laing to find videos of clients speaking for themselves; most had family and doctors speaking for them. She wanted to portray strength in psychosis. “Even if we have one person, we have a story,” she said. She found five young people who were willing to share their stories.

 

 

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