Ever wondered what life’s like for those with disabilities? For a glimpse into their world, check out the fourth MINDS Film Festival which showcases a number of films from around the world that shine a light on the lives of those with varying degrees of mental ability.
The festival will feature a total of six films from all over the world, ranging from an Italian drama to a Korean crime-mystery, including two Asian Premieres and two Singapore Premieres. The screenings will be held at Shaw Theatres Lido.
Free Screenings
In addition to screenings at Shaw Lido, there will also be 2 FREE outdoor screenings of REDHA (2016), a touching Malaysian tale of a family working together to raise a child with autism.
Held at Tampines and Yishun, people from all walks of life are welcome:
10 Jan (Fri), 7.30pm: Our Tampines Hub, The Central Plaza
11 Jan (Sat), 4pm: Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, The Great Hall
In addition, all MINDS Film Festival screenings will be free for people with a Developmental Disability Registry Identity (DDR-ID) card! DDR-ID card holders will also be able to bring up to two caregivers with them, who will enjoy 50% off the usual ticket price.
Film Titles
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019, USA | drama)
15 January (invite only); 8.00pm: Zak (Zack Gottsagen), a young man with Down syndrome, runs away from a nursing home to follow his dream of attending a professional wrestling school. Along the way, he meets unlikely allies in Tyler (Shia LaBeouf), an outlaw on the run, and Eleanor (Dakota Johnson), a nursing home employee.
Distinction (2018, Hong Kong | drama)
5 January; 7.00pm: A reluctant music teacher in a special education needs school is assigned to helm a musical performance, an experience which turns into an unexpected journey of self-discovery.
Champions (2018, Spain | comedy/drama)
17 January; 6.50pm: An ambitious, arrogant assistant coach for a Spanish basketball team is sentenced to community service – he must now whip into shape an amateur basketball team comprising players with varying mental disabilities.
Intelligent Lives (2018, USA | documentary)
18 January; 1.00pm: It stars three young adults with intellectual disabilities who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce.
My Brother Chases Dinosaurs (2018, Italy | drama)
18 January; 6.50pm: Jack always believed his little brother Gio was a superhero. As Jack grows up, he realises that Gio actually has Down syndrome, and learns that Gio’s energy, vitality, and unique perspective can indeed change the world—just like a superhero.
Innocent Witness (2018, South Korea | crime drama)
19 January; 1.00pm: A housekeeper is charged with the murder of an old man suffering from depression. The only witness to the crime is a teenage girl with autism.
With a range of films from around the world, the festival is a reminder that no matter what nationality, colour or degree of ability, we are all still one human race.
Tickets:
S$10.00: General Public
S$8.00: SFS Film Addicts and bulk purchases*
S$5.00: MINDS Staff and Caregivers**
Free: DDR-ID cardholders
Tickets can be purchased via Shaw Theatres’ website.
