The Rutgers University Center for the Study of Genocide, Conflict Resolution and Human Rights will host a series of films and discussions focusing on two vital issues impacting human rights: mental illness and sexual violence. All of the programs are free and open to the public; all will be held at Rutgers University, Newark.

The first two programs, on Oct. 8 and Oct. 9, will feature four films by noted director and anthropologist Dr. Robert Lemelson, which are part of his six-part series “Afflictions: Culture and Mental Illness in Indonesia.”

Lemelson will lead a discussion about his production process and the films’ important findings about the care and treatment of mental illness.

http://news.rutgers.edu/medrel/newark-2012/genocide-center-rutg-20120920

Monday, Oct. 8, 10 – 11:20 a.m., Dana Room, John Cotton Dana Library, 180 University Ave., Newark campus
“The Bird Dancer,” screening and discussion with the director, Dr. Robert Lemelson. This film tells the story of Gusti Ayu Suartini, a young woman with Tourette’s syndrome from rural Bali. Neither Gusti’s family nor community understands the medical nature of her condition and they pity, spurn or mistreat her.

Tuesday, Oct. 9, 6 – 8:40 p.m., Dana Room, John Cotton Dana Library, 180 University Ave., Newark campus
Shadows and Illuminations, Ritual Burdens and  Kites and Monsters, screenings and discussion with the director,  Dr. Robert Lemelson.

  • Shadows and Illuminations paints a portrait of Nyoman Kereta, a rural Balinese man in his late sixties who, by psychiatric standards, suffers from a psychotic-like illness.
  • Ritual Burdens tells the story of Ni Ketut Kasih, a Balinese women who lapses into mania and depression when the weight of communal ritual obligations and other societal expectations become overwhelming.

·         Kites and Monsters follows the childhood of Wayan Yoga, a five-year-old boy whose imaginative world includes an obsession with violent, mythical monsters and a passion for dance, kite flying and drawing. He is also diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome and exhibits the physical tics and vocalizations characteristic of his illness.