Films

Psychiatry Unchained 

Mental disorders will soon be the leading cause in global burden of disease. On a global scale major depressive disorder already causes health consequences that are equal to that of ischemic heart diseases. Disability related to mental disorders has negative effects on productivity and financial consequences for the individual and his family. But for people who live in chronic conflict or poverty, psychological problems are not only important as determinants of health, but also as barriers to rebuild both individual and family life, as well as rebuilding society as a whole.

In February 2010 Willem van de Put (general director HealthNet TPO) traveled to Goa to meet Vikram Patel, one of the leading psychiatrists in developing countries. They discussed the work they do all over the world. Their stories are illustrated by scenes from films that Willem van de Put made together with Jan van de Berg in African and Asian settings.

See the documentary here.

Deacon of Death

In 2005 Willem van de Put and Jan van de Berg made this film together, to show how the Khmer Rouge regime can affect people. Cambodians still use the film for educational purposes.

The atrocities Sok Chea witnessed as a child during the rule of Pol Pot continue to haunt to this day, nearly thirty years later. So she is shocked when she suddenly comes across the man who was in charge of her prison and whom she holds responsible for murdering most of her family. Once again he holds a prominent position, this time as Deacon of Death or leader of cremation ceremonies.

She decides to collect evidence against him. He must stand trial. But can she succeed in a country still ruled by fear, where justice is virtually non-existent and corruption endemic? Besides which, Cambodians believe in karma and forgiveness. Wrongdoers are punished after their death anyway and will suffer for many lives to come. Sok Chea’s quest leads her to a confrontation with Karoby, in the same pagoda where the atrocities occurred.

Deacon of Death had is premiere on September 29 in 2004 at the Dutch Film Festival and got a 'Golden Calf' for 'best long documentary'. The film was also screened at Docma in Maribor, October 2004 and at IDFA in Amsterdam in November 2004. The film is 64 minutes and is spoken in Khmer with Dutch and English subtitles. Read more about the background of this movie.