Join us for an evening of film and dialogue on psychiatry, colonial history and mental health. Drawing from the life and work of Frantz Fanon, we will discuss how colonial histories still permeate knowledge institutions and mental health care today.
Programme
| 18.00 | Doors open |
| 18.30 | Musical opening by Wantee Teelapa |
| 18.40 | Introduction and dialogue with Glenn Helberg, Mimi, Sara Galli and Anti-Imperialist Network |
| 19.30 | Film screening Fanon |
| 21.45 | End |
Film
Fanon (2024)
Directed by Jean-Claude Flamand-Barny
Language: French/Arabic with English subtitles
This compelling biographical film tells the story of Frantz Fanon - the influential psychiatrist, writer and anti-colonial thinker from Martinique. His work played an important role in the global debate on colonialism, liberation and the psychological consequences of oppression.
Set between 1953 and 1956, the film follows Fanon during his time as head of a ward at the Blida-Joinville psychiatric hospital in colonial Algeria. There he sees up close the profound psychological effects colonial oppression has on patients. This leads him to critically examine existing psychiatric practices and reflect on the role of medicine within a colonial system.
At the same time, the Algerian struggle for independence is growing. As a result, Fanon's work and ideas increasingly move outside the walls of the clinic. The film shows how he both made changes within psychiatry and became secretly involved in the Algerian independence movement. By connecting past and present, it shows Fanon see how his ideas are still relevant to contemporary discussions on oppression and liberation.
Dialogue
After the screening, invited speakers from psychiatry, psychology and social movements will discuss Fanon's legacy and the relationship between colonial history, knowledge institutions and mental health today. Before the film, singer Wantee Teelapa will provide a musical opening.
Artist
Wantee Teelapa is a multi-talented Liberian/Lebanese singer-songwriter, visual artist and fashion designer from Amsterdam. She makes eclectic afrofusion music. With her deep, distinctive vocal timbre, she translates serious topics into a mystical performance. Her new song War in my mind metaphorically releases the energy of suffering the PTSD that came with surviving the Liberian civil war as a child. This song is meant to take up space and unashamedly dance out heavy energy to give yourself permission to express that ugly feeling and feel lighter afterwards.
Speakers
Glenn Helberg is a visionary Dutch psychiatrist who challenges us to see mental health not only as an individual struggle, but also as something deeply shaped by culture, history and society. As co-founder of the Expertise Centre for Transcultural Therapy, he has been a powerful voice in bridging worlds and breaking silences around identity, trauma and belonging. Through his lifelong fight against racism and for inclusion and empowerment, he continues to inspire change and deserves both a royal honour and the Black Achievement Award for his impact.
Mimi is an organiser, activist and emerging psychologist. She brings together lived experience and professional insight in her work. She has seen first-hand the importance of community, solidarity and mutual aid in navigating hardship and promoting healing. Through her work, she is committed to creating spaces where collective care and empowerment can thrive.
Sara Galli is a medical specialist and representative on the Federal Council of the Union FNV, working on behalf of both health workers and patients. Actively involved with Doctors for Gaza, she brings a powerful voice to global health justice and connects care with solidarity in times of crisis. With Algerian roots, she offers a deeply informed perspective that brings together healthcare, justice and the enduring impact of colonial and contemporary power structures on well-being.
Anti-Imperialist Network (ANI) is a growing global hub that brings together activists committed to challenging imperialism and supporting liberation struggles across the global south. By producing and sharing critical, high-quality media, AIN exposes how imperialism works, documents its ongoing damage and amplifies voices and movements that are often silenced. In addition, AIN engages in concrete solidarity work, providing resources, skills and collective support, while promoting connection, learning and building strategies among those working globally for justice and liberation.
Registration
The entrance fee is €5. Should this amount be a barrier, please contact us by e-mail (info@kcgh.nl) for a free ticket.
Collaboration
The evening is part of the Dutch Global Health Film Festival and is organised by Caribbean Creativity, Africadelic, Knowledge Centre Global Health, Utrecht Life Sciences Planetary Health and De Gezondheidszaak (People's Health Movement - the Netherlands).
It will take place after the symposium Colonial past of Dutch medical (knowledge) institutions - ‘After the comma’ and brings together people from different backgrounds - from academics and healthcare professionals to students and members of civil society organisations - for a conversation about the relationship between medicine, power and social justice.
Dutch
English