Dive Into the “Mysteries of Mental Illness” with WNET Up Next

WNET UP Next

What is mental illness? Where does it come from? How can it be treated? These are some of the questions being addressed in Mysteries of Mental Illness, a multiplatform initiative from GBH Boston exploring the story of mental illness in science and society. Denise DiIanni, the Senior Executive in Charge, visits WNET Up Next to share an in-depth look at the project.

The centerpiece of MMI is a four-hour documentary series premiering on PBS stations on June 22nd and 23rd. Produced by Pangloss Films, it sets out to destigmatize mental illness by presenting a historical framework plus portraits of individuals facing many varieties of mental health challenges and the quest for modalities and treatments that can help them.

In addition to the broadcast series, which will also be available for streaming at PBS.org, a short form digital video series, Mysteries of Mental Illness: Decolonizing Mental Health has been produced by RADA STUDIO. Twenty episodes will appear on digital platforms and public media’s WORLD Channel and will focus on how mental illness and the healthcare industry impacts communities of color.

An ambitious grasssroots community engagement campaign and a robust web presence at PBS.org have been created and will be augmented by educational materials created by PBS LearningMedia.

Ms. DiIanni has had a long career at GBH and was involved for many years in the creation and production of the award-winning NOVA series. In her conversation with host Tom Stewart, she shares both the challenges and satisfactions of working in the world of documentary film and offers an interesting suggestion to those who are considering joining the field.

Mysteries of Mental Illness is produced by GBH Boston and Pangloss Films: Senior Executive in Charge: Denise DiIanni; Co-Executive Producer: Laurie Donnelly; Directors, Producers and Writers: Peter Yost & Edna Alburquerque. Funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Johnson & Johnson, the American Psychiatric Association Foundation and Draper, and through the support of PBS viewers.

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Recorded: May 25, 2021

Published: June 15, 2021

Audio Recording – Jon Berman

Audio Editing – Josh Broome

Editor – Samantha Lobo

Host/Producer – Tom Stewart

Executive Producer – Daena McBride

Special Thanks – Jeffrey Elias, Marketing Manager, GBH Boston

WNET UP NEXT is a presentation of the Design, On Air Promotion, Fundraising and Traffic Department of The WNET Group.

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