International Festival
of Independent Cinema

Mental health issues have increasingly become a topic of discussion in modern times. Some of these issues are genetic, some are acquired and related to our modern lifestyle, and some have certainly been exacerbated by the pandemic. Anxiety, worry and depression are a common part of everyday life for many of us. After all, we live in a time in which we’re bombarded with information at every turn, and there’s no way to process it all; overstimulation inevitably has a significant impact on our psyche. Fortunately, it’s no longer a taboo subject or a reason to be ashamed. Depression, disorders and a variety of neuroses are being discussed more and more openly in the public sphere as diseases of modernity, and when well-known and respected figures come out with their struggles in this arena it helps a lot. Cinema has long been fond of neurotic, complex characters. Although heightened sensitivity may seem like quite a cross to bear, it’s often portrayed in a positive, compelling way — full of humanity, warmth, and empathy. This year’s Mastercard OFF CAMERA festival section will reflect on the importance of mental health in these difficult times and show that perceived weaknesses can be transformed into genuine strengths.