In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Pano has curated a watchlist of films that realistically portray multiple facets of mental illness. At the start of the pandemic, people from all around the world were impacted mentally. According to the World Health Organization, in the first year of the pandemic, the “global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25 percent.” Unlike some physical illnesses, the symptoms of a mental illness can be treated and minimized, but the illness itself can not be cured. This month, it is important to spread the word about mental health in order to educate others and work towards destigmatizing mental illness.
If you or a loved one are struggling, please use this as a sign to reach out for help. Click the #linkinbio for the CDC’s list of mental health resources.
Short Term 12 directed by @destindaniel
In this independent drama, Grace, a 20-something supervising staff member of a residential treatment facility, navigates the turbulent nature of work alongside her co-worker and longtime boyfriend.
Running from Crazy directed by @barbarakopple
This documentary follows the granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, Mariel Hemingway, as she searches for a greater understanding of her famous family’s history of mental illness.
Sweetie directed by #JaneCampion
Campion’s 1989 debut feature focuses on the relationship between dysfunctional sisters and the impact that psychological trauma has on their family dynamic.
The Virgin Suicides directed by #SofiaCoppola
In 1970s America, five teenage sisters explore sexuality and struggle with their mental health while living in a repressive household, narrated by a teenage boy who is infatuated with them. #weekendwatchlist #mentalhealthawareness