S06-04 - Normality and the Camera: the Making of “States of Mind”

Abstract

“States of Mind” is a documentary about the idea of normality/abnormality in a mental hospital. It was shot inside several mental clinics in Italy in 2005. A small team of filmmakers spent several months inside the clinics with a camera and audio equipment. The team shared with patients and staff every moment and aspect of daily life, from breakfast till night shift. During this intense period patients and operators were constantly exposed to the camera's eye, while neutral observation and friendship quickly melt. Ideas of normality and abnormality, of surface and depth, of exposure and censorship started to blend into each other, creating interesting and unexpected effects. “States of Mind” had its world premiere at the prestigious IDFA (Amsterdam Documentary Film Festival) and has been released in USA and Europe.