Directed by: Mark Wentworth (UK) & Daniela Simmons (USA)
Meeting Ourselves in Film
Exploring Story, Character, and Self through Action Methods and Psychodrama
"Cinema is a container for the archetypes of ancient myth."
— Joseph Campbell
Film has a unique capacity to engage us at levels beyond intellect and entertainment. Many of us have experienced a movie, a scene, or a character that lingers long after the screen goes dark—returning to us repeatedly, asking for attention. These moments often resonate because they touch something deeply personal, symbolic, or archetypal within us.Cinema invites the psyche into active participation. At times, we are drawn to a particular film without fully knowing why, guided by an inner wisdom that recognizes what is needed in that moment. Within the unfolding narrative, we may encounter insight, emotional release, or meaning—what might be understood as a form of symbolic or "soul" medicine.This understanding is not new. In Ancient Greece, the physicians of the Asklepion recognized the therapeutic value of dramatic enactment. Witnessing a particular scene or moment in the theatre was considered an important part of helping individuals address emotional or psychological distress. Film may be understood as a contemporary extension of this tradition—offering symbolic encounters that illuminate inner conflicts, desires, and possibilities.
The Workshop
Meeting Ourselves in Film is an experiential workshop that explores meaningful film moments through psychodrama and other action methods. Participants are invited to work with selected scenes, characters, and narratives that hold personal meaning, using structured experiential processes to deepen self-understanding, insight, and creativity.
This workshop may be of interest to individuals seeking:
- Greater emotional well-being and self-awareness
- Clarity around life direction or purpose
- New perspectives on personal, relational, or professional challenges
- Experiential learning related to roles, creativity, and human connection
Participants are invited to bring meaningful film moments and, through guided action methods, step into, reimagine, and explore these narratives as pathways to self-discovery.Format and ExperienceThis workshop is fully experiential and self-exploratory, offering opportunities for:
- Personal insight and reflection
- Emotional integration and resilience
- Creative exploration and role development
- Professional development for those working with individuals, groups, or organizations
The workshop is open to anyone interested in deepening their understanding of human experience through the combined lenses of film, psychodrama, and creativity. No prior psychodrama experience is required.RegistrationParticipants may register for this workshop as a standalone experience. No previous participation is required.