Industry Spotlight: Borte, Queen of Tibet – A Journey Into Mental Illness & The Healing Power of Filmmaking

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Film Lab has a very special screening of a film created by and about a young woman who was involuntarily committed to the Bellevue Psychiatric Ward in 2010 by the New York Police Department. Part documentary, part fantasy, “Borte, Queen of Tibet” is a quiet meditation on recovery from Schizo Affective Disorder. Shot guerrilla style to depict the hostile takeover Schizo Affective Disorder has over the mind, the short film plays with perspective in asking, how do we distinguish reality from delusion? The film will be followed by a panel moderated by Film Lab’s Industry Spotlight Coordinator, Renee Lasher, and a networking reception for filmmakers.

**Art Fans: We will be raffling off some delightful original artwork by John Day from the series “Matud Nila.” Come check out all the pieces and, if you have questions about the artist or the series, email Renee at [email protected].**

Panelists:

1. Jodi Lin, Filmmaker

Jodi is an editor and filmmaker. She was diagnosed with Schizo Affective Disorder in 2010 and produced a film about her experience as a means of educating others about mental illness and as a way of healing herself. In her own words: “Making “Borte, Queen of Tibet” was a powerful mental, physical, and spiritual experience. It is possible to recover, as I am currently in remission, and making films has become a way of life that helps make recovery possible.”

2. Peter Stastny, Psychiatrist

Peter Stastny is a New York based psychiatrist, documentary filmmaker and a co-founder of the International Network toward Alternatives and Recovery. He is a Lecturer at the Global Mental Health Program of Columbia University and until recently was a consultant to the New York City Department of Mental Health in connection with the New York City Parachute Project. This federally-funded project aimed to redesign crisis responses for individuals experiencing acute psychosis and altered states that interfere with their independence and community life. Peter has frequently collaborated with psychiatric survivors by spearheading peer specialist services and peer-run businesses, as well as in research and writing projects. Examples are a book and traveling exhibition (with Darby Penney) called “The lives they left behind: Suitcases from a state hospital attic” and the edited volume “Alternatives beyond psychiatry” (with Peter Lehmann). Peter has directed several documentary and experimental films, some dealing with the experiences of survival and recovery.

3. Dr. Yu-Kang Chen

Dr. yu-Kang Chen is a licensed psychologist who received his Ph.D. from Columbia University, Teachers College. He has many years of experiences of working with underserved communities of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds. Dr. Chen received and completed his predoctoral and postdoctoral training at Hamilton Madison House. His clinical and training interests include stigma and its impact on mental health, minority stress, and multicultural competence.