Being Family: when a film speaks louder than words

Parenting support with a projector 

In many low-resource settings, rolling out structured parenting programmes is challenging. Yet, as highlighted by The Lancet’s paper on child violence prevention, early family-based interventions are critical for healthy development. Harsh parenting, emotional neglect, and domestic stress can leave long-term marks on a child’s mental and physical health. 

This is where the film steps in. During the panel, Amanda shared findings from a randomised controlled trial that assessed the impact of a single film screening. The results? Significant reductions in physical punishment and improvements in social support and parenting practices all from just one hour of quiet reflection. 

“We weren’t sure if it would work — but it did. It was incredible to see such shifts from a light-touch intervention.” – Amanda Sim, Co-Principal Investigator, Parenting on the Thailand/Myanmar border.  

And while the screen showed actors, it was the audience that moved us most. During the panel, Mary Soan, filmmaker and Director of Sermpanya Foundation, recalled a powerful moment from a previous community screening along the Thai–Myanmar border: 

“A 51-year-old father of five stood up and said, ‘I beat my children. But today I woke up — and I’m not going to do it again.” 

Film as a mirror and bridge 

Throughout the session, speakers reflected on how film serves as more than a storytelling tool and a safe space. One where people can pause, reflect on their own lives, and sometimes, walk away changed. 

As shared by the Li Woon Churdboonchart, Special Advisor to the Mental Health Film Festival Singapore, film has a uniquely powerful impact on youth. Over the past four years, the local filmmaking movement has seen young creators use the medium to explore and express their mental health journeys and spark conversation. 

One especially powerful but under-discussed topic raised in the films? Caregiving. “Caregiving is often a difficult topic for youth and families to talk about. But through film, we bring everyone together — to reflect, relate, and hopefully take action.” 
 
“Nobody wanted to address the issue then. But today, thanks to collective action, we’ve come a long way.” - Pearlyn Tseng, National Council of Social Service of Singapore 
 
Beyond the screening, our panel explored how creative mediums like storytelling and film can shape national conversations. Pearlyn, a key voice behind Singapore’s Beyond the Label movement, reminded us how stigma once silenced these discussions. Back in 2018, public attitudes showed high levels of discomfort and discrimination toward mental health and little willingness to talk. The hope now is to keep that momentum going not just with data and dialogue, but also through emotion, empathy, and art. 

Looking ahead 

Just the first of many, this screening aims to inspire a broader movement. With support from the Sermpanya Foundation Thailand, efforts are already underway to scale up screenings in border communities. Meanwhile, here in Singapore, we’re exploring how these stories can spark reflection, support, and policy conversations. 

In the words of one panelist: “If you’re not paying attention, maybe it won’t affect you. But if you’re present; it just might change everything.”