In sociology, “le mal dominant” – prevailing illness – refers to an ill that is not just individual, but institutionalized and generalized in a society. Here, the mal dominant is mental illness, paralleling what used to be called the mal du siècle: depression. Taking a positive approach far from reductive explanations, the protagonists of these films show plenty of courage and resilience in developing strategies to adapt and keep their heads above water while doing their best to maintain a balance.

In We Beg To Differ, a community finds solace in their passion for “diffing” as they navigate personal struggles on and off the road. Inside, The Valley Sings documents the cruelty of the penal system, where three inmates build intricate fantasy worlds as a way to escape their isolation and confinement. In La Herida Luminosa, light-starved teens descend on Spanish resorts as a balm for seasonal depression. Believing he’s been hit by a 150-tonne meteorite, Skhizein slides slowly into schizophrenia.

As he gradually separates from his body, he eventually loses all contact with the real world. Scars reveals old wounds that, like an open book, tell the director’s story. Mon ami Batman Tremblay looks at the ups and downs leading to the diagnosis of Frédéric, who has found a true life saver in creating characters and bringing them to life with humour and a touch of snark. Closing out this section, we get a jolt with the unfiltered writing and searing music of Violett Pi. In her music video Bipolaire, she dives into herself to reconcile her two poles.

Her lyrics summarize the essence of this program:

“Your body may be maladapted
But out in the sun is the place to be
To get through the winter, you’ve only got to get used to it”
Violett Pi

Tickets may be available at the box office for this screening, depending on availability. Arrive early to secure your seat.