Film Lens
The film follows Dr. Suriani, a psychiatrist in Bali, as she treats chronically mentally ill patients. It documents her efforts to improve their lives, showcasing the transformation of individuals like Kong, who was once chained in a backyard and is now healthy and married. The film shows the struggles she faces against a health department that has cut her funding by 90%, despite the positive outcomes she achieves with her patients. Dr. Suriani's work is contrasted with the inefficiencies of the local mental health system, revealing the challenges of providing care in a resource-limited environment.
Through the stories of patients like Gadet, who went from being unable to communicate to working on a construction site, the film illustrates the impact of proper treatment. It also features the plight of families who have been advised to lock up their mentally ill relatives, emphasizing the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental health in the region. The documentary captures the urgency of Dr. Suriani's mission and the ongoing need for support in mental health care.
Why Watch
- •See how Dr. Suriani transforms lives in Bali.
- •Meet patients who overcame severe mental illness.
- •Find out about the budget cuts threatening mental health care.
Did You Know
•Dr. Suriani received 1 billion rupiah, about $120,000, for patient treatment.
•Bali's Governor cut Dr. Suriani's budget by 90% after criticism.
•Gadet was chained next to his own excrement before treatment.
•Kong, once chained, is now married and his wife is three months pregnant.
Perfect For
Mental health advocatesBali enthusiastsSocial justice supporters