Abstract

Cambridge University Southeast Asian Forum and the Gates Cambridge Scholars Council is proud to present Breaking the Chains, by Dr Erminia Colucci.

Breaking the Chains is an ethnographic documentary that depicts the use of physical restraint and confinement of people with mental illness in Indonesia, a practice known as pasung in Indonesia but widespread also in other low-middle income countries. The film contributes to an understanding of pasung, the reasons behind this practice, and the issues that must be overcome to eradicate this human rights abuse. This film tells an original story about the social and political activism to free them from this practice. In particular, the film follows the activities that have been initiated by an organization run by people with mental health problems. For further info or to join the mailing list, please visit http://movie-ment.org/breakingthechains/

Dr Colucci is a Lecturer at the Centre for Psychiatry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London. She is also affiliated to the Global and Cultural Mental Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne (Australia).