Mani Mitchell A free screening of the Mani Mitchell-narrated documentary Intersexion will be held at Auckland’s Academy Cinema tonight as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. The Grant Lahood film traces connections between intersex people all over the world. Narrator Mitchell is a long-time intersex activist who says: “I hope this documentary will show everyone that the ‘shame and secrecy’ model hasn’t worked – and that intersex children can grow up to make informed choices about their own bodies.” The film is being presented by Changing Minds, an Auckland-based not for profit organisation, which provides information and advocacy services for people with mental health or addiction issues. Manager Tina Helm says Changing Minds take the view that “mental illness” is something that belongs within a social context and this is reflected in its film festival’s programming. "We're told time and time again that we have a mental health crisis in New Zealand and I think it is important to remember that ‘mental illness’ isn't something that exists within a vacuum - there is always a wider social context." Intersexion will screen after a showing on American documentary Crooked Beauty at 8.30PM. While it’s free, tickets need to be reserved through the email address: info@changingminds.org.nz or by calling 09 6231762.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 8th October 2012 - 11:38am