Film as an educational aid fostering better understanding of mental illnesses : the sensual, the real and the imaginary in a workshop of reflection

The influence of cinema, which has always been a mediator between art and social phenomena is undeniable, especially as it relies on the visual aspect, which currently plays a dominant role in creating image and identity. The examination of fair treatment of mentally ill people by an interdisciplinary filter of health humanities bonding the knowledge of STEM and social sciences with art is a theoretical and practical axis of this article. The article criticizes the status quo between film and entertainment in perspective of narration supposedly strengthening the positive image of the mentally ill, as well as introduces the profiles of various forms of education through film in the area of mental health. The aim of the article is to present the principles of the original educational initiative "Film Transgressions" that had been carried through during the summer semester 2014/15 under the patronage of The Institute of Social Therapy and Education, The Institute of Sociology of Jagiellonian University and the Department of Social Work Ethics of the University of John Paul II. The results of attempts at finding a method of engaging people, who in their education or professional practice may encounter the mentally ill, are enriched with a description of texts and movies acting as didactic assistance for educators, being also useful for social science adepts and social workers.