In Conversation with Deepak Chopra
IFTA Creative Minds & Wellbeing Day
The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA), presents a special In Conversation with Deepak Chopra as part of the ‘IFTA Creative Minds & Wellbeing Day’ for the screen industry and creative community, on Thursday, September 21st at the O’Reilly Theatre in Dublin.
The conversation will be hosted by broadcaster and author Dermot Whelan and other speakers on the day include broadcaster, producer, and musician Niall Breslin, politician & filmmaker Senator Lynn Ruane, psychotherapist and journalist Dil Wickremasinghe, and director of Minding Creative Minds, Ann Marie Shields.
Deepak Chopra is the world-renowned author, speaker, and advocate for holistic health, and a celebrated global name in the field of mind-body wellbeing. He will come to Dublin for this in-person Discussion with Irish Academy Members and the Screen industry. The conversation will delve into the topics of mental wellbeing, mindfulness, meditation and the importance of holistic health practices for those working in the fast-paced film and television world, and other creative industries.
As part of the event, Deepak will also receive a special award from the Irish Academy in recognition of his outstanding contribution worldwide to the promotion of mental wellbeing and mindfulness practices.
Speaking about his upcoming visit to Dublin for this event, Deepak said: “I think the film and television industry can be a strong force, not only for Mental Wellbeing, but for reaching critical mass for a more peaceful, just, sustainable, healthier & joyful world, and it is, for this reason, I have engaged with this industry for the last three decades.”
Speaking about the special recognition award, he added: “I am humbled and feel privileged to receive this award from IFTA. Ireland has produced literary giants from Oscar Wilde to James Joyce to WB Yeats, all of whom have inspired me with their writings. In short, I'm in love with Ireland.”
IFTA CEO Aine Moriarty said: "The Irish Academy is delighted to welcome Deepak Chopra and to recognise the groundbreaking work he has done in the field of mind-body health and wellbeing. He has been very influential within the creative industry worldwide, with his positive and proactive approach to taking care our mental health and we look forward to an enlightening conversation with him here in Dublin"
The event - exploring various aspects of mental wellbeing, mindfulness, and holistic health - will also feature discussion with some of Ireland’s foremost voices in the conversation around mental health and wellbeing: including Dermot Whelan, Niall Breslin, Senator Lynn Ruane, Dil Wickremasinghe and Ann Marie Shields.
Dermot Whelan is one of Ireland’s leading radio and TV presenters, as well as an author, comedian, and meditation advocate. He recently published the bestselling book Mind Full exploring solutions for better mental health.
Niall Breslin is a multi–platinum selling songwriter and music producer, public speaker, and documentary maker. He wrote the bestselling book Me and My Mate Jeffrey about overcoming mental health issues, and hosts the hugely popular Where Is My Mind podcast featuring interviews with significant figures in the mental health movement, with Deepak Chopra among his previous guests.
Lynn Ruane is an Independent Senator on the Trinity College panel, and author of the bestselling book People Like Me, based on her experiences growing up in West Dublin. She wrote the short film Waiting Day, which premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh in July, and the upcoming feature film Ready Or Not, inspired by teenage life in '90s Dublin and directed by Claire Francis Byrne.
Dil Wickremasinghe is a psychotherapist, social entrepreneur, activist, international speaker, broadcaster, and journalist. She founded Insight Matters with her wife Anne Marie Toole, which now has a team of over 100 therapists. For a decade, she presented the award winning weekly programme Global Village on Newstalk, on the topics of social justice and mental health. She now presents Tuning Inward on Dublin City FM.
Ann Marie Shields is a director of Minding Creative Minds, a 24/7 wellbeing, career mentoring, and professional advice service, offered free to the Irish creative sector. She is also Careers Manager at BIMM Institute Dublin, and has her own AMS Records label and management company. She has worked extensively in the music industry, and is also a film music supervisor.
The IFTA Creative Minds & Wellbeing Day is supported by Screen Ireland and Minding Creative Minds.