Mental Health & the Criminal Justice System

3 Generations has been documenting stories about the inequalities of the criminal justice system for a number of years. We recently co-produced a documentary with Beti Films, Any Given Day. The film exposes the challenges and injustices of treating mental health issues through the criminal justice system. We have some exciting news to share about the film.

Any Given Day had it’s US Premiere at the 57th Chicago International Film Festival this past October. In addition to it’s US Premiere, the film was also part of the International Documentary Competition and the Festival's City and State Program. 

We are happy to share that Any Given Day is the winner of the prestigious Chicago Award, an honor presented to an outstanding film in the Festival’s City and State Program. The jurors shared the following commendation:

“Any Given Day is a powerful and genuine portrait of what life is like living with mental illness… Crafted with love, respect, bravery, and deep empathy, the film not only destigmatizes mental illness but also contemplates a better way to support those in need.”

The film will also be showing at the St. Louis International Film Festival in November.

You can watch the trailer and get more information about Any Given Day here.

To learn more about all of our work go to 3generations.org.

3 Generations has a long history of documenting many social justice and human rights stories. We feel it’s a natural fit for us to document the struggles that people with mental health problems face in the criminal justice system. We have recently co-produced a documentary with Beti Films, Any Given Day. The film exposes the challenges and injustices of treating mental health issues through the criminal justice system.

While investigating the treatment of detainees, filmmaker Margaret Byrne befriends Angela, Dimitar and Daniel, participants in a Chicago mental health court probation program. Filmed over five years, their stories expose a system designed for punishment, yet used as a replacement for mental health care. The absence of support takes a toll on family members and friends whom Angela, Dimitar and Daniel provide for and depend on. The resulting stigma and isolation keep them caught in cycles of victory and defeat. Margaret’s own hospitalization that occurs during the making of the film, becomes an inspiration to weave her own story into the film. Byrne’s intimate observations of the three, captures the hard-fought triumphs and struggles of living at the intersection of mental illness, poverty, and addiction.

Any Given Day recently had its world premiere on April 29 at the Hot Docs Film Festival in Toronto, Canada. We are thrilled to announce that itreceived an Honorable Mention for Emerging Filmmaker Award and was named as one of Hot Docs Best of Fest by the Toronto Film Critics Association.

We will have lots more to share about this incredible film in the months ahead. To learn more about this and all of our other films, videos and issues please visit our website, 3generations.org. 

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