The intersection of psychology and media has been increasing lately, with the production of several shows and movies raising awareness of mental health screened on TV. Psychology helps us understand the workings of the human mind and behaviour, and what better way to delve into this than through film and media that captivate and engage audiences on a mass scale to break the societal taboo around mental health? 

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, Rakhawy Institute for Training and Research and Medfest Egypt are collaborating to bring the first Mental Health, Arts, and Media Conference to Egypt. The anticipated event will run from May 5^th to the 7^th at the Rakhawy Institute in Mokattam.

The conference will act as an educational and cultural platform that bridges the worlds of psychology, arts, and media. It is open to professionals in mental health, the media industry, and attendees sharing the same interests, and aims to debate, educate, and upgrade their knowledge by providing numerous opportunities in various workshops, movie screenings, and talks to exchange thoughts and ideas.

Rakhawy Institute for Training and Research is a non-profit organisation founded by Drs Mona and Yehia Rakhawy to expand psycho-related therapeutic practices in Egypt and all over the world. The institute delivers specialised workshops, activities, and events like the upcoming conference to accomplish its goal.

Their partner in this grand event, Medfest Egypt, was founded by Dr Mina El Naggar and Dr Khalid Ali and is an annual film festival and platform for filmmakers to showcase their work. The festival typically features documentaries, dramas, and short films that shed light on mental health, disability, and disease prevention, making it the ideal collaborator for bridging media and the psyche.

The conference will start with the screening of the Emirates-produced Lebanese psychological thriller Farah. Then throughout its three-day run, it will host table talks and workshops led by Dr Nabil El Kot, Dr Robert C. Abrams, Dr Noha Sabry and many more psychology pioneers. Additional speakers will include the creator of El Harsha El Sab’a Mariam Naoum, Taghyeer Gaw’s Mona El Shimi, Taht El Wesaya’s Karim El Shenawy, and several household names in the local and international film industry.

Tickets for the conference are categorised according to age, with Egyptians under 34 costing 1150 EGP and older Egyptians amounting to 1400 EGP. Registration is open to all on here.