Au Contraire Film Festival

Misconceptions about mental illness permeate our society. Many people believe that the mentally are lazy, disabled for life or are violent. Au Contraire. Au Contraire Film Festival was modeled from the Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival, Toronto Canada. Our film program was curated by Lisa Brown, Founder and Artistic/Executive Director of Workman Arts/Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival and Au Contraire Festival programming committee. The Au Contraire Film Festival strives to illuminate the truths and possibilities of mental illness and combat the widespread stigma. The ACFF is a four-day special event showing films about mental illnesses and recovery. Films will be presented with panel discussions featuring clients of mental health services, health professionals and movie producers, inviting audience participation. The Vision of the ACFF To encourage and engage Montreal community audiences by featuring films exploring the burdens of mental illness and the heroics of recovery. To use film to provide educational opportunities, encourage advocacy and inspire thoughtful discussions on eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness. The Mission of the ACFF To celebrate the visual arts and raise local awareness about mental health. Through affordable programming, introducing students to the issues surrounding mental illness, collaborating with other community organizations within Montreal?s social service continuum and providing a quality audience experience. - See more at: http://acff.ca/mission.html#sthash.LuEDkj8n.dpuf