Manav Foundation

An Appeal: A One Minute Anti-Stigma Film

We begin by thanking you for your time and your attention. We anticipate that by the time you have finished reading this you will understand the need for your support and partnership. We write to you with the hope that you will consider our proposal to fund a one minute anti-stigma film, that endeavours to provide those suffering from mental afflictions with the opportunity to live a productive and fulfilling life.

Developments in the fields of science and technology have revolutionized human life at a material level. But in actuality, this progress is only superficial. Underneath, modern men and women are living in conditions of great mental and emotional stress, even in developed and affluent countries. People from all over the world irrespective of culture and economic background suffer from mental illness. The most neglected and invisible problem in a developing country like India too is the burden of mental health problems, its effects and its outcome in the coming years.

Mental health is central to all health and well-being because how we think and feel has a strong impact on our physical being. Mental well-being, like physical health, is something we need to promote and protect. Issues relating to the mental health of an individual are rarely looked into and are not treated with the same urgency and importance as physical ailments. But with the incidence of individuals suffering with mental illness ever rising, it becomes important for us to realise the importance for its addressal.

In India over 125 million people suffer from mental illnesses. Every year 250,000 new cases are reported. But these figures do not include the thousands of others who may be suffering in silence without any access to help. The prevalence of individuals suffering from mental illnesses have increased tremendously over the years due to poverty, illiteracy, urbanization, industrialization, failure to develop better diagnostic methods, and low public awareness on the issue. It is estimated that timely intervention can ensure that a minimum of 60 percent of these mentally ill people can achieve some level of recovery. Another study states that the estimated population of chronic psychotic patients in India will be 50 million by 2010.

The mentally ill, the emotionally disturbed and those with severe personality disorders bear not only the anguish of their suffering but also the additional burden of society’s indifference and ignorance. In spite of falling victim to false beliefs and deeply rooted misconceptions, the issue of mental health features very low on our government’s agenda, and almost not at all on society’s list of priorities.

The isolation of the mentally ill, the emotionally disturbed, and of the issue at large has only further perpetuated the callous indifference that exists within society.
Individuals suffering with mental illness are being discriminated against within all walks of life. Very often the individuals are themselves blamed for their condition and for their illness. This stigmatization happens on a daily level, ranging from slight deviations in common courtesy when encountering a person with mental illness to not providing equal opportunities to lack of mental health equality in health plans and policies and other plans. It hence becomes our responsibility to take this issue seriously and establish mechanisms that will provide fair and equal treatment to individuals recovering from mental illness.

The MANAV Foundation
The MANAV Foundation is a young and growing organisation dedicated to the enhancement, development and advancement of the marginalised populations living within our society, but not as a part of it. A charitable trust registered under section 18 -19 of the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950, two major projects are run under this trust, the Manav Mental Health Project and the Manav Jodhpur Project. In recognition of the current dearth of services and the growing need for a multifaceted approach in mental health care, The MANAV Foundation committed itself to The MANAV Rehabilitation Centre for the mentally ill and emotionally disturbed under the umbrella of the Manav Mental Health Project.
Our predominant and foremost intervention, the Manav Rehabilitation Centre for individuals in need of re-integrative therapy functions on a day-care basis and focuses on holistic care which comprises of the various aspects pertinent to the individual’s sustained recovery. This facility is accessible by any adult individual, who due to a mental condition or illness, personality and/or emotional disorder has not been able to successfully function within mainstream society, and is in need of prerequisite and enabling care.

Using alternative therapies and various methods which include individual counselling, family therapy and support, group therapies and vocational interventions the mainstay of this intervention is to facilitate the reintegration of mentally ill individuals into mainstream society. It is with this aim in mind, that we endeavour to address every aspect of the individual and do not employ clinical treatments alone. Besides the Manav Rehabilitation Centre, the Manav Mental Health Project also has under it’s umbrella the MANAV Counselling Centre, Swayam, dedicated to vocational rehabilitation, and Sahyog, a support group for caregivers.

Our journey as an organisation working with individuals recovering from mental illnesses and emotional disturbances has witnessed many obstacles when attempting to help our clients live independent and fulfilling lives because of the stigma that is attached to mental illness. With experience we have learnt that empowering our clients alone is not important. The sensitization and education of society at large is integral as society also needs to change it’s discriminating ways and allow for a supportive environment with equal opportunities so as to include all, without prejudice and bias.

The one-minute awareness message
We don’t believe that life’s rhythm is ever really lost, it needs to be rediscovered sometimes, that’s all. Keeping this premise in mind, and the knowledge that awareness on this issue is the key, we plan to make a one-minute awareness film on the issue. We aim to through this project is to increase awareness within society on the issue of mental illness and the need and importance of mental health.

Stigma often prevents people from seeking treatment, due to fear of ridicule and rejection. The film will aspire to de-isolate the issue and encourage mentally ill people to step out of the shadows whilst endeavouring to address the stigma that drives society to discriminate against people with mental illness. We hope for a change in the prevailing attitudes and misconceptions that have shaped society’s way of thinking and hope that in time these changes lead to positive and significant contributions to the end-goal, making the inclusion of the mentally ill a viable and foreseeable reality.

Music, being the only language that is universally understood, and the most powerful medium of communication, will be used predominantly in the film to convey this message of utmost importance. Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia and Ustad Zakir Hussain have graciously accepted our request to feature in the film. By doing so, they will publicly be expressing their solidarity with our clients, who will also feature in the film, illustrating the truth of their capacities and abilities.
Once the film is made, we plan to air this film via various platforms, such as television, movie theatres, the internet, through the print media and other mediums. That mental illness must not be shunned and the inclusion of the mentally ill in society is to the benefit of all, is a message that must resonate far and wide.

Financial budget
Below is the estimated cost for the making of the film inclusive of pre and post production expenses. This budget however, is not inclusive of the expenses that will be incurred for the airing of the film via various media such as television, movie theatres, the internet, and other mediums. It also does not include the cost of the print campaign. These costs have not been added as the estimation is not possible at this point of time and moreover, is subject to change.

Particulars	Cost
Camera ( HD ) + attendant etc	41,000
Cameraman + assistants	12,000
Lightmen + Lights	12,000
Generator + attendants etc	10,000
Art Director + assts + setting	40,000
Sound (music dir. + Playback etc)	25,000
Studio	40000
Permissions	30,000
Post Production: Edit + online	15000
Costume	40000
Jimmy Jib	15000
Artist Staff	8000
Food & Beverage (Shoot + Post)	7500
Production (inclu. Staff + spot boys etc)	46000
Vanity Van	9000
C.G. effects	10000
Gifts for the maestros	50000
Contingencies	15000
Media Entertainment/food	15000
Total estimated cost	4,40,500

Through our efforts we have been able to raise 2 lakhs but we still have a pending sum of Rs. 2,40,500 to be raised.

Thus, in conclusion, we appeal to you to provide us with the required funding needed for the making of this movie, thereby making available the infrastructure for this venture. We trust we have conveyed to you the necessity for your active participation in bringing about this much awaited change in society.

We once again thank you for your time and your interest, and sincerely hope that we have been able to convey to you the need for joint and effective action against the social ostracism that individuals recovering from mental illnesses face and the need for their inclusion in society.

We do hope for a favourable response from you and will be happy to clarify any doubts or queries you may have.

Thank you,
Sincerely,
Meena Mutha , Trustee

Binaifer Jesia , Director

Yvette Lee, Coordinator Ppublicity

CONTACT DETAILS
MANAV Foundation: 022 65280145/ 022 23724889

Binaifer Jesia:
Email: binaifer@manavfoundation.org.in

Yvette Lee:
Email: yvette@manavfoundation.org.in

Website: www.manavfoundation.org.in