Iran Medical Council Journal of Iranian Medical Council 2645-338X 9 3 2026 07 01 Promoting Responsible Portrayal of Mental Health in Iranian Cinema: Experience from the Second-Best Mental Health Movie Award at Iran’s 44th Fajr National Film Festival 802 804 245121 10.18502/jimc.v9i3.21843 EN Mahsa Boroon Department of Psychiatry, Imam Hossein Hospital, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Mohammad Kiasalar National Agency for Strategic Research in Medical Education, Education Deputy, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Ahmadipour Department of Psychiatry, TeMS. C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Soheil Jafar Salehi Department of Psychology, Garmsar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Garmsar, Iran Mohammadreza Shalbafan Mental Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute (PHRI), Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-4536-3441 Journal Article 2026 06 06 Media profoundly influences public attitudes and behaviors in contemporary societies. Among various forms of media, cinema is particularly influential because it not only disseminates information but also shapes role models, evokes emotions, and influences social perceptions and behaviors. Over recent decades, mental health-related themes have increasingly attracted the attention of filmmakers worldwide. Consequently, cinema plays an important role in shaping public attitudes toward mental disorders, psychiatric treatments, mental health professionals, and affected individuals. Given the persistent stigma associated with mental health problems, the portrayal of these issues in films can have substantial and long-lasting effects on public perceptions (1).<br>Cinema occupies a prominent place in Iranian society, attracting audiences from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, Iranian films are increasingly viewed and recognized internationally. Recognizing the influence of visual media, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME), through its Department of Mental and Social Health and Addiction, has progressively implemented several initiatives aimed at improving the portrayal of mental health issues in visual media. These efforts have included raising awareness regarding responsible representation of mental disorders, conducting educational workshops for screenwriters and directors, and advocating for greater sensitivity in the depiction of issues such as suicide. Previous research has suggested that contemporary Iranian filmmakers demonstrate more positive attitudes toward people with mental disorders than the general population (2). Nevertheless, stigmatizing portrayals of mental illness remain a significant challenge within Iranian cinema. https://www.jimc.ir/article_245121_7305e4d5cac401a20520a4bac3ccdd70.pdf