Films are effective: Suhasini

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"Cinema is an excellent medium and the huge impact films create on the minds of people cannot be denied. So meaningful movies should be made", Suhasini Mani Ratnam said .

The actress-filmmaker was speaking at the conclusion of the 'Frame of Mind' international film festival on mental health 2010 in Chennai. In her address, she underscored the educative role and potential of cinema and television.

At the function, Suhasini presented award to a slew of short films dealing with complex mental health issues, the mandate of psychiatrists and the role of the family. The awards were instituted by the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF).

Festival Chairperson and a member of the jury, Dr Mitchell Weiss said13 out of 41 submissions were short listed. 'Pages of Life', a short film by Tushar Bachal on a family’s involvement in dealing with a member affected by Schizophrenia, won the SCARF Sundaram Award for Best Film and a cash prize of Rs 25,000.

The second prize was given jointly to films 'Payanam' and 'Prerna', while the third prize went to 'The Ghost in My House/ Mind'. Nine films, including those in regional languages were screened.