Dr Mina Husain
Consultant
Dr Mina Husain is a psychiatrist and independent film producer currently living and working in London. Her film career began on a sabbatical in 2017 when she spent time working in mental health hospitals in Pakistan. She noticed the enormous delays in mentally unwell people receiving treatment and learnt that this was mainly due to stigma and lack of mental health awareness. Mina then immersed herself in the arts as a method to open up the dialogue about mental illness and other social taboos. Her first film Dia (2018) told the story of a young woman, the pressures she faces from societal expectations and the consequences this has on her health. This film premiered at Locarno International Film festival and has been screened across Pakistan. It is also available for viewing on amazon prime., and won the Locarno short of the week award. Her next film Stray Dogs Come Out at Night (2020) told the story of a young male masseur. This film explored the social determinants of mental health and highlighted the themes of social isolation, loneliness, family expectations and the fatal consequences of when these become too much. This film was the first Pakistani film in history to be selected at Clermont Ferrand Film Festival, the world’s biggest short film festival. Her latest film “Bhai” (2021) had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
To enhance her skills and knowledge base, Mina is currently undertaking a Masters Degree at SOAS University of London in Global Media and Communications. She hopes to continue clinical practice, research and producing films with strong social messages.