The first-ever film festival in Bristol dedicated to the mind and the brain begins this weekend [Saturday 9 May]: ‘Movies and the Mind’ showcases four films that feature the brain and its disorders, followed by discussion from leading experts in the field of neuroscience.
The events, hosted by Bristol Neuroscience at Bristol University in partnership with Bristol Festival of Ideas, Watershed Media Centre and the Arnolfini, will enable discussion between the general public and brain experts from Bristol Neuroscience.
The cinema possesses immense power in influencing our perception and understanding of the human brain and naturally opens questions, ideas and debate. What is special about these events is that people will be able to watch the film then immediately direct those questions to specialists; neuroscientists carrying out the latest neuroscience research, and clinicians who have first-hand experience of treating people with neurological and psychiatric disorders.
The first film, ‘Memento’ (15) focuses on memory and the mind and will be shown on Saturday 9 May at the Arnolfini, Bristol. Following the film Dr Clea Warburton from the University’s Department of Anatomy will be discussing the role of different brain regions in memory, and Dr John Holloway, head of the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU) at Frenchay Hospital, will describe his experience of treating brain-injured patients.
On Sunday 10 May, ‘A Matter of Life and Death’ (U), which features brain damage and epilepsy, will be screened at the Watershed, Bristol. This will be followed by discussion with film writer, Professor Ian Christie. At the Arnolfini, there will be a book launch for Art in Mind where author Luke Jerram and contributor Dr Chris Alford, from the Psychology Department at the University of the West of England, will talk about Luke’s investigations into the creation of artwork about perception.
‘A Beautiful Mind’ (12), describing the life of mathematician John Forbes Nash, his genius, mental illness and the fine line between the two, will be screened on Saturday 16 May at the Arnolfini, followed by discussion with Glynn Harrison, Professor of Mental Health, and Dr Tim Williams from the University’s Department of Community Based Medicine.
Finally ‘The Diving Bell and the Butterfly’ (12A), the tale of Jean-Dominique Bauby - renowned editor of French Elle magazine, who suffered a stroke and was paralysed by the ‘locked in’ syndrome at the age of 43 - will take place on Saturday 23 May at the Arnolfini, Bristol. The panel will include Consultant Neurologist, Dr Richard Hardie, whose expertise is traumatic brain and spinal injuries and stroke, and Dr Alice Roberts from Bristol University’s Department of Anatomy.
Tickets for each of the screenings are priced at £6 (concessions £4.50).
Dr Anne Cooke, neuroscience research facilitator and communications manager for Bristol Neuroscience at the University of Bristol, said: ”Film, with its ability to transport viewers into an alternate reality - perhaps more than any other art form - is exceptionally well-suited to conveying neurological disorders; it allows us to experience the inner thoughts and feelings of the character’s minds. As such, films strongly influence our perception of the brain.
“This is particularly true when it comes to issues around mental health.
“Films can be both devil and saviour in combating the stigma still associated with psychiatric illness. They can both perpetuate stereotypes – such as the violent psychopath – but also give sensitive portrayals of the reality of brain disease, and opportunities to discover what neuroscience can now tell us about how the mind works.
“We do hope people will join us and explore the fascinating science of the brain with Bristol Neuroscience.”
Bristol is one of the UK's leading centres for neuroscience research and clinical practice. Further information about the event is available on the Festival of Ideas website.