Being Family: Film Screening & Panel Discussion Overview

On October 9th 2024, ARMS hosted the Being Family: Film Screening and Panel Discussion.

The Film Screening

Over 50 attendees gathered in L.R. Wilson’s Concert Hall to watch Being Family, a powerful film created in collaboration with migrant and displaced children and families living on the Thailand-Myanmar border.  Through storytelling, the film follows the lives of two families navigating poverty, insecurity, and displacement, highlighting the profound impact of different parenting practices on child development and well-being.  As part of a two-arm cluster randomized control trial, the film’s screening to refugee border communities demonstrated its effectiveness as an intervention for fostering positive parenting practices and reducing violence against children in the Global South.

To learn more about Being Family as an intervention, click here.

The Panel Discussion

Following the film screening, a thought-provoking panel discussion featured co-creators Dr. Amanda Sim and Dr. Nadeem Akhtar, moderated by Dr. Marisa Young (Director of ARMS).  The panel explored the influential role of film and media in raising awareness and educating the public about mental health issues, positive parenting practices, and promoting well-being.  Engaging questions and discussions with the audience brought light to the film’s impact and its broader implications for advocacy and education.

The event concluded with a lively reception in L.R. Wilson’s Waller Lobby, where individuals enjoyed appetizers, catered refreshments, and a cash bar.  McMaster faculty, students, and community members networked and engaged in further discussions about the film and associated research.

Dr. Amanda Sim

Dr. Amanda Sim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences and the Global Health graduate program and a core member of the Offord Centre for Child Studies at McMaster University. She has over 15 years of experience conducting research with children and families affected by war and forced displacement and has worked extensively throughout Asia and Africa. Her research is rooted in equitable community partnership and engagement aimed at promoting the mental health and well-being of families affected by global adversity.

To learn more about Dr. Sim and her work, click here.

Dr. Nadeem Akhtar

Dr. Nadeem Akhtar is a film-maker, psychiatrist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University. He founded CinéPsych in 2017, pioneering non-profit trainee film making and events initiative that makes metaphorical films about mental health conditions on a zero budget.  CinéPsych films are designed as discussion points for anti-stigma education and scripts are informed by those with lived experience.

To learn more about Dr. Akhtar and his work, click here.

ARMS would like to thank all the attendees, Dr. Amanda Sim, Dr. Nadeem Akhtar, and organizations for their meaningful contributions.  We look forward to seeing you at our future events!