They Call This Healing is an incredibly accomplished student short from New Zealand. It nails a unique presentation of mental illness I’ve seen in real life, but seldom on film. It stands out for its clever writing and a fresh, youthful feel that provides a welcome levity to balance out some of the other films about mental health. The performances are impressive, especially the lead, who feels magnetizing and authentic.
It’s never specified and I’m not sure what mental health disorder the young woman in this film has, but I’ve definitely seen it in real life. I’ve met people just like this character who talk incessantly about the movies they’ve made and their upcoming award dinners, all while never having owned a camera. Major congratulations to Promise Akindeju for making a short film that takes whatever condition this young woman is living with and finds the quirky humor in it while still taking it seriously in discussions with her roommate and therapist.
They Call This Healing plays Friday evening, 10/9, at Mental Filmness.
Get your free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-filmness-film-festival-tickets-2000057532921
