27th July 2018 (FRIDAY)

6:30pm-9:30pm
Monash University, Building 3
What is Medfest?
Medfest is an international film festival which is held at universities and teaching institutions all over
the world. Every Spring a selection of short films are shown and discussed by a panel of distinguished
experts, before the floor is opened to the audience. Currently in its eighth year the 2018 festival will
aim to explore the topic of Silence.

Through three bespoke short films we will challenge your ideas and perceptions on the concept of
silence.

The Films
In Pursuit of Silence
Our first short film, In Pursuit of Silence, showcases the work of visionary director Patrick Shen and his
team. The film was created such that every word spoken and every note of music was carefully
considered and delicately weaved into the foundation of silence that underlies the entire piece. By
examining cultures from across the world the film explores the impact noise is having on our lives.
With our race towards modernity and a more urban lifestyle this mediative documentary forces us to
question the direction our civilisation in moving in.

The Conspiracy of Silence

The Conspiracy of silence features a short film “Paak / Pure”, co-created by Hamza Bangash of
citylights productions and Dr Mina Husain, a psychiatry trainee working in South London and
Maudsley. Stitched together through Video-Calls the audience gains an intimate view of a young
women dealing with the pressures of impending adulthood- and what can happen when the pressure
reaches a tipping point. By seeing the contrast between her public persona and her private identity
we are able to gain a valuable insight into the ways many mental health patients may suffer in silence.
The Mindfulness of Silence
To end Medfest 2018 we want to explore what silence means to you. You will be requested to
participate in a bespoke meditative exercise on mindful listening led by Dr Florian Ruths, consultant
psychiatrist, mindfulness teacher and cognitive therapist. By diving into the subtle soundscapes of
both your external and internal worlds you will discover that even in silence, there is always much to
be heard.
Itinerary:
6.15pm - Registration and Dinner

7.00pm - Introduction

7.10pm - Chairman, JMHA President Speech

7.20pm - First Movie

7.35pm - 1st Panel Discussion

7.55pm - Second Movie

8.05pm - 2nd Panel Discussion

8.25pm - Intermission

8.40pm - Third Movie

8.55pm - 3rd Panel Discussion

9.15pm - Closing and Token of Appreciation

9.30pm - End and Disperse