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BSMS > About BSMS > Events > BSMS Social Science Forum: Film: The Healer and the Psychiatrist

BSMS Social Science Forum: Film: The Healer and the Psychiatrist

BSMS Social Science Forum: Film: The Healer and the Psychiatrist

Film: The Healer and the Psychiatrist (2019, 74 minutes, English/Tongan, with English subtitles), followed by Q and A with Director, anthropologist Mike Poltorak.

Thursday 27 May 2021. The live online screening runs from 12pm - 1.20pm (UTC +1). We will reconvene for the Director’s Q and A at 1.25pm - 1.45pm (UTC+1).

We are delighted to announce a brand new series, BSMS Social Science Forum, for 2021! All are welcome, no background in social science required.

join the event here >

About this event

On the South Pacific Island group of Vava’u, the traditional healer Emeline Lolohea treats people affected by spirits. One day away by ferry, the only Tongan Psychiatrist Dr Mapa Puloka has established a public psychiatry well known across the region. Though they have never met in person, this ethnographic documentary film creates a dialogue between them on the nature of mental illness and spiritual affliction. Their commitment and transformative communication offers challenges and opportunities to help address the growing global mental health crisis. The film screening will be followed by a question and answer session with director, Mike Poltorak.

Resources

Film trailer: View the trailer here >

Project Pouno is an interactive resource and talanoa site to explore questions of health and illness in Tonga through six vital Tongan concepts. It complements the documentary. View it here > 

All are welcome, no background in social science required. Details and Zoom links are below. Please feel free to circulate and contact Gem on g.aellah@bsms.ac.uk with any queries.

Join the event on Zoom via the link below.

Join the event here >