Join us for an evening of film and dialogue on psychiatry, colonial history and mental health. Drawing from the life and work of Frantz Fanon, we will discuss how colonial histories still permeate knowledge institutions and mental health care today.
Film
Fanon (2024)
Directed by Jean-Claude Flamand-Barny
Length: 133 minutes
Language: French/Arabic with English subtitles
This compelling biographical film tells the story of Frantz Fanon - the influential psychiatrist, writer and anti-colonial thinker from Martinique. His work played an important role in the global debate on colonialism, liberation and the psychological consequences of oppression.
Set between 1953 and 1956, the film follows Fanon during his time as head of a ward at the Blida-Joinville psychiatric hospital in colonial Algeria. There he sees up close the profound psychological effects colonial oppression has on patients. This leads him to critically examine existing psychiatric practices and reflect on the role of medicine within a colonial system.
At the same time, the Algerian struggle for independence is growing. As a result, Fanon's work and ideas increasingly move outside the walls of the clinic. The film shows how he both made changes within psychiatry and became secretly involved in the Algerian independence movement. By connecting past and present, it shows Fanon see how his ideas are still relevant to contemporary discussions on oppression and liberation.
Dialogue
After the screening, invited speakers from psychiatry, psychology and social movements will discuss Fanon's legacy and the relationship between colonial history, knowledge institutions and mental health today. Before the film, singer Samaa will provide a musical opening.
The programme will follow soon.
This Film & Dialogue will take place after the symposium Colonial past of Dutch medical (knowledge) institutions and brings together people from different backgrounds - from academics and healthcare professionals to students and members of civil society organisations - for a conversation on the relationship between medicine, power and social justice.
Registration
The entrance fee is €5. Should this amount be a barrier, please contact us by e-mail (info@kcgh.nl) for a free ticket.
Collaboration
The evening is part of the Dutch Global Health Film Festival and is organised by Knowledge Centre Global Health, Caribbean Creativity, Africadelic and UMC Utrecht.
Dutch
English