This is a documentary by first time Toronto filmmakers Naomi Berlyne and Sibyl Likely. It documents the incredible stories of the 'patients' who lived many years ago behind the walls of Toronto's last remaining psychiatric hospital, now known as CAMH (Centre For Addiction and Mental Health). The Institution was first built in 1850, and was then called 'The Provincial Lunatic Asylum'. This film traces the institution's early history, including the degrading treatment of patients, as well as stories of how some patients managed to escape or rebel. The second part of the film focuses on contemporary narratives of Mad People as they discuss the challenges they have experienced while hospitalized as well as in society at large. Despite the heavy subject matter, film ends on a hopeful note with current stories of resistance and resilience.
