Drugs and Prayers
Medical Anthropology film and discussion group
Tuesday 16 May 2023 15:30 to 17:00Location: |
EP Abraham Lecture Theatre, Green Templeton College |
About
The GTC Medical Anthropology Film and Discussion Group explores the extent to which film can complement, enrich and further the study of medical anthropology themes, topics and methods. After watching selected clips, we discuss a filmβs content and approach, and interrogate its capacity to support the analysis of issues relating to illness, crisis, health and well-being. This term we focus on the theme of ‘Encounters’ between western medicine and traditional medicine and healing.
Drugs and Prayers (2010. Directed by Helena Basu). The Sufi shrine of Mira Datar in North Gujarat is a large pilgrimage centre specialising in healing possession and mental illness. It has become a site of experimenting with new forms of community care in the mental health sector. The film documents exchanges between various actors at the shrine and listens to the stories of the protagonists. It presents different views on the presumed causes of mental illness as well as on the benefit or non-benefit of medicine or ritual practices as perceived by patients and their relatives.
Convener: Paola Esposito paola.esposito@anthro.ox.ac.uk
Type: Film Screenings
