Launched in July 2024 in Bucharest by filmmaker and researcher Mirona Radu, Mindful Photography & Cinema uses visual arts as a powerful tool for self-expression and emotional regulation. Through a structured programme of photography workshops, guided film screenings, and discussions, participants from a hospital in Bucharest are encouraged to immerse themselves in the present moment, capturing images with mindful intention. This approach allows them to explore both their internal landscapes and their external surroundings, cultivating a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them.

Cineuropa: How did the idea for Mindful Photography & Cinema come about? What inspired you to combine photography and cinematography with the medical recovery process?
Mirona Radu: As a visual artist and filmmaker, sharing the joy of creativity and the practice of decoding, finding meaning, and exercising emotion—through photography and film—has always been essential to me. Over the years, I've conducted photography and cinema workshops for adults. Recently, however, I developed a strong interest in mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques, and two years ago, I began doctoral studies on the therapeutic potential of film.

Having personally faced two significant medical challenges—a Hodgkin lymphoma at 17 and transverse myelitis at 36—my desire to support others going through difficult times and to share resources that helped me became a profound calling. That is how Mindful Photography & Cinema was born—a project blending my passion for the visual arts with a desire to help others discover their inner strength and equilibrium during challenging moments. My goal was to create a space where participants could creatively and therapeutically explore and express emotions through photography and film.

How does the project integrate artistic and scientific dimensions? What role does artistic research play in the recovery process?
The project reached 28 individuals directly, including patients and their family members, through photography and film workshops, as well as film screenings. I believe that for a cultural intervention like this to impact society, the artistic aspect must harmoniously intertwine with the scientific one. The photography workshops combine technical skills with exercises for self-awareness and emotional expression. Participants learn to observe their surroundings and articulate their feelings through images.

The film screenings, followed by guided discussions, explore themes like resilience, hope, and overcoming adversity. These dialogues provide a therapeutic component, encouraging participants to reflect on their experiences and find new perspectives. Through participants' photographs and assessment questionnaires, we observed how art impacts their emotional state, helping alleviate anxiety and promoting a sense of calm that contributes to recovery. Our research, conducted with psychologist colleagues, shows a notable increase in well-being and a decrease in stress levels among participants.

What were the initial reactions from patients, family members, and medical staff when they learned about the project?
The director of Prof. Dr. Angelescu Hospital in Bucharest, Dr. Gabriel Coriu, embraced the project enthusiastically, and his help was invaluable, for which we are very grateful. The medical team was also very open and supportive. Patients' immediate feedback—relief, joy, and a sense of detachment from stress—helped fuel our efforts. It’s heartening to witness a holistic approach being integrated into the healing process.

What challenges did you encounter in implementing the project, both logistically and emotionally?
Implementing this project was a profoundly moving experience, both professionally and personally. Logistically, we faced relatively few obstacles, as we had support from the Administration of the National Cultural Fund (AFCN) in Romania, our co-financer, and the hospital. The most significant challenge, however, was emotional. Working with individuals in vulnerable states forced us to confront our fragility.

The tense atmosphere in the hospital, marked by suffering and uncertainty, had a significant impact on the whole team. We often felt a heavy emotional burden, but also a deep satisfaction when we managed to bring a ray of hope into these people's lives.

From this experience I learned that empathy and resilience are essential in this kind of work. I realised that although we cannot change everything, we can make a significant difference in the lives of others.

How do you see the future of this project and the possibility of expanding it to other hospitals?
I was very surprised to realise that many of the films we had prepared to use in our research no longer seemed quite so suitable once we immersed ourselves in the hospital atmosphere. This makes me think that the need for dedicated video production is much greater than I had thought.

The future of the Mindful Photography & Cinema project is full of promise. We have found that through photography and film, patients not only express their emotions but also construct their own visual narratives. Our vision is to turn this project into a kind of creative film studio within the hospital. We envision scriptwriting, directing and editing workshops where patients can collaborate to make short films that reflect their experiences. These could then be shown at mental health film festivals, giving patients a platform to share their stories and inspire others.