Once discussed only in hushed tones, conversations around mental health have grown more open and widespread over the past decade. Taking this dialogue further, Manotsava – the National Mental Health Festival by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), the National Centre for Biological Sciences, and NIMHANS – is introducing a special film festival ahead of this year’s edition.
Titled “Screening the Mind,” the festival aims to showcase stories of lived experience and mental illness — caregiving, survival, hope, and triumph, as described by Natasha Joshi, Chief of Strategy at RNP.
While panel discussions and fireside chats remain vital, the organisers believe films have a unique power — to move beyond information and create genuine emotional connection.
Joshi says, “You get time to build nuances and bring in perspectives which are harder to access at mainstream festivals. In today’s world of watching everything alone by yourself at home, it’s really important to bring people together, synchronise your biorhythms as you’re going through the same emotions and then when the lights come on, have a conversation and see everybody else who has participated in this empathetic experience with you.”
The festival will showcase six thought-provoking films, culminating with the critically acclaimed Margarita with a Straw, starring Kalki Koechlin — a moving story about a young woman with cerebral palsy discovering independence and identity.
“We wanted diversity in language and region, and that’s reflected in our selection,” says Natasha Joshi, Chief of Strategy at Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. “We also focused on how sensitively and accurately each film explores mental health, choosing stories that highlight different dimensions of mental well-being.”
Among the featured titles are Dhoosar, which delves into Alzheimer’s and its impact on both the patient and their loved ones, and Invisible Chains, exploring substance dependence from the user’s point of view. The lineup also includes Swagatam, portraying a young couple coping with the husband’s schizophrenia; Khidki, featuring Naseeruddin Shah as an elderly man whose deepest connection is with the world beyond his window; and Enso, a poignant tale of a father and daughter dealing with the trauma of loss.
Through Manotsava — scheduled for November 8 and 9 at The Lalit Ashok, Seshadripuram — the organisers aim to engage the wider public, fostering awareness and empathy for mental health issues that often go unspoken.
“We are highlighting topics like parenting, teenagers and screens, burnout in the workplace, maternal mental health,” says Joshi. She adds, “Different people will pick up on different things but hopefully, if there are issues they are grappling with, they will feel empowered to dialogue with whoever is in their life and improve their wellbeing through that.
‘Screening the Mind’ will be held on October 19 from 11 a.m. at the Bangalore International Centre, Domlur. Interested attendees can register at bangaloreinternationalcentre.org.