Building Social Inclusivity through Films

Jointly presented by MINDS and the Singapore Film Society (SFS), the annual MINDS Film Festival (MFF) which was inaugurated in 2017, aims to create greater awareness and understanding of Intellectual Disability (ID), encourage the community to play a more active role in supporting Persons with Intellectual Disability (PWIDs), and to advocate for greater social inclusion. 

MINDS Film Festival 2024

Working in collaboration with Shaw Theatres, MFF 2024 will present seven international films over two weekends in September - from 13 to 15 Sep and from 20 to 22 Sep. Join us in celebrating the individuality and abilities of PWIDs as we see the world through their eyes! 

Festival Lineup

Poppy

2021 | New Zealand | English | 98min | PG13 (Scene of Intimacy and Coarse Language)

Director: Linda Niccol

Main Cast: Libby Hunsdale, Ari Boyland, Sebastian Hunter, Kali Kopae

A young woman with Down syndrome refuses to be defined by disability and takes control of her own life. She aspires to be a motor mechanic and starts an apprenticeship that was promised by her late father, but she is stalled by her overly-protective brother who has reluctantly inherited the family business. Things take a turn when she teams up with an ex-schoolmate who needs his car fixed in time to enter the local burnout competition.

Ezra

2023 | USA | English with Chinese Subtitles | 101min | NC16 (Coarse Language and Some Drug Use)

Director: Tony Goldwyn

Main Cast: Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Vera Farmiga , Robert De Niro

Stand-up comic Max Bernal and his 11-year-old son with autism Ezra set off on a road trip in this vivid portrait of a family figuring out how to understand one another. Having recently blown up his career and his marriage, Max is living with his father Stan and is profoundly at odds with his soon-to-be ex-wife Jenna about how to address their son's special needs. When Ezra is expelled from yet another school, Max makes the controversial decision to take Ezra on a cross-country odyssey.

Shadow

2021 | Australia | English | 56min | PG13 (Some Coarse Language and Sexual References)

Director: Bruce Gladwin

Main Cast: Mark Deans, Simon Laherty, Sarah Mainwaring, Scott Price

Simon, Scott, and Sarah, a group of activists with intellectual disabilities, organize a town hall meeting to discuss the future effects of artificial intelligence. Simon, seeing himself as the community's savior, quickly declares himself the mayor. Scott, initially hesitant, takes on the role of facilitator but soon becomes captivated by his newfound authority and starts disregarding others' experiences. Sarah, who is often overlooked and underestimated by her peers, finally erupts, challenging the self-appointed leaders on their shortcomings. The discussion, which begins politely, quickly devolves into bickering and chaos, seemingly fueled by an unseen force. Sarah tries to bring the group together, but it becomes clear that their message might already be lost.

Whatever Scares You

2022 | Australia | English | 26min | PG

Director: Tamara Searle

Main Cast: Breanna Deleo, Joanne Deleo, Joseph Deleo

Breanna is pursuing a career as a professional artist, which is a challenging path for anyone. She has recently started identifying as a neurodivergent individual. Her parents are her strongest supporters and advocates, wanting to protect her. However, sometimes we need to navigate the world on our own to truly find our way.

Shadow + Whatever Scares You

82min | PG13 (Some Coarse Language and Sexual References)

Note: This is a combined screening session. Please pay attention to the total runtime and film rating as stated above.

Please Make Me Look Pretty

2020 | South Korea | Korean with English Subtitles | 86min | PG

Director: SEO Dong-il

Main Cast: JUNG Eun-hye, JANG Hyun-sil

JUNG Eun-hye was born with Down syndrome. She spends her time knitting at home. One hot summer, she becomes popular drawing caricatures at Munhori Flea Market in Yangpyeong, South Korea. Customers ask "please make me look pretty," to which she replies “But you’re already pretty.” About 2,000 people smile in front of JUNG Eun-hye as she draws their caricature portraits enthusiastically and diligently as an artist.

Spring In Between

2022 | Japan | Japanese with English Subtitles | 103min | PG

Director: Rika Katsu

Main Cast: Hio MIYAZAWA, Sakurako KONISHI, Yoshihiko HOSODA, Amon HIRAI, Asuka HAMARU

Haru, a struggling magazine editor, meets the painter Toru while researching for one of her articles. Toru, who has autism, is very straightforward in expressing his thoughts. Haru is captivated by his honesty, and despite their different personalities, a deep emotional connection develops between them. Director Rika KATSU sensitively portrays their unusual relationship.

Stand Up Story

2024 | Hong Kong | Cantonese with English/Chinese Subtitles | 104min | PG13 (Some Coarse Language and Sexual References)

Director: Au Cheuk-man

Main Cast: Ng Siu-Hin, Ben Yuen Foo-Wah, Ng Wing-sze Joman Chiang, Chan Lai-wan, Franco Yuen

From a young age, Mancer had always known his father Wah is different from other adults; Wah speaks illogically, has slow comprehension, and is easily deceived. As he grew up, Mancer realized that Wah is intellectually disabled. After his mother left, Mancer had to become his father's primary caregiver.

By chance, Mancer enters a stand-up comedy competition for the prize money and quickly becomes addicted to the joy of making people laugh. However, after the competition, he struggles to make people laugh again. While searching for inspiration, Mancer realizes his best jokes come from his hardships—being ridiculed at school, facing difficulties at work, caring for his father, and even dealing with the worldwide pandemic. He discovered that perhaps misery can also be the best source of comedy.