OCD Event Extra Credit Blog

            On October 17^th, the Film and Media Department at Hunter College held a screening and panel event, “How A Film Helped Heal, Build Community, and Challenge Stereotypes.”  The event was an in-depth analysis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and featured two films, “UNSTUCK: an OCD movie” and “Involuntary Repetition as Everyday Life.”  The event was a remarkable experience because of its informative and conversational approach to address the reality of OCD and challenge the stereotypes. 

There was a plethora of information to learn from this event.  I learned that OCD is not about being tidy or a perfectionist; as it is often portrayed in society.  It is about having an obsessive fear about something happening.  To prevent that thing from happening, individuals perform compulsive actions.  In addition, many people misunderstand it because they are unaware of its how it affects people.  For example, some parents may be annoyed by their child for acting a certain way without realizing that their child is struggling with OCD.  Moreover, there are some ways of treating the condition.  The main treatment that was discussed is exposure therapy in which individuals are gradually exposed to their fears and asked not to respond how they normally would.  This allows them to be more comfortable with their fear so that it will not significantly affect their thoughts and behavior.

There were some techniques that we discussed in class and lab that were also used in both films to portray the reality of OCD for those who are affected.  In “UNSTUCK: an OCD movie”, both Kelly Anderson and Chris Baier utilized interviewing techniques.  Firstly, both explained that they did pre-interviews to narrow down the search and to choose those who would be the best for telling the story.  Also, based on the responses from those in the video, one could note that they asked in-depth questions that would elicit comprehensive responses.  Additionally, in class, we generally know that everyone has their own mindset when creating their work.  For example, Anderson mentioned that they intentionally chose not to show children in distress or going through treatment because they wanted the mood to be uplifting rather than daunting.  In the other film, “Involuntary Repetition as Everyday Life”, Jay Chieh-Chun Lee used visual and sound techniques.  There were many extreme close-up shots that made the viewer feel uncomfortably focused on something; as people with OCD can feel.  For sound, there was no music but rather someone repeating their words.  This illustrated the repetitive thoughts and behavior of those living with OCD.  There was even a hasty pan from the door (leaving the house to be early for school) back to the kitchen (where the person’s focus was) to demonstrate how the fixations that people with OCD have can take over and affect their daily lives.

Another great aspect of the event was the question and answer session because many people raised though-provoking ideas.  Panelist Epifania Gallina, who has OCD herself, said that it should not be regarded as freakish but as “someone going through something” and that movies are helpful in telling stories.  This is true because the movie demonstrated that no one wants to be looked down upon and that just like everyone else, people with OCD have their own challenges as well.  Another idea that was emphasized during the event is that people who are experiencing it do not have to dismay because it is not the end of the world.  Lisa Coyne, who was a panelist and is a clinical consultant for child as well as adolescent OCD, mentioned that “it teaches you about hidden strengths that you just don’t know you have.”  People who are struggling can overcome their compulsions; this was not just inspiration for those with OCD but for everyone.  Learning from challenges and believing in one’s ability to overcome is a teaching that can be applied to all aspects of life.

Overall, this film screening and panel was a noteworthy event because the topic of OCD was addressed, and stereotypes were debunked through effective sharing of information as well as conversation.