Even if there were twice as many real mental health stories being told, it still wouldn’t be enough. That’s why we – Community Access – launched Changing Minds, a unique storytelling initiative that helps young people (ages 15 to 25) share mental health stories with other young people in ways that can spark meaningful conversation and bring about real change.
Originally conceived in 2016 as a young filmmaker competition – part of the NYC Mental Health Film Festival – Changing Minds is now its own festival as well.
The inaugural Changing Minds Young Filmmaker Festival was held at the Village East Cinema in NYC on October 19, 2019. We'll be returning to this same venue for our 2020 festival.
Changing Minds empowers young people to share uplifting/unique/ vital mental health stories through film. In the process, Changing Minds aims to change how we think and talk about mental health issues. To date, we've received thousands of films from young filmmakers around the world.
For young people, especially, mental health challenges can be difficult to navigate – and too many face these challenges alone, fearful of being misunderstood. This can change, and it should change. With students, educators, and mental health advocates all working together, we can help young people to feel free, safe, healthy, and hopeful.
For more about Changing Minds – and to see winning and shortlisted films from 2017, 2018, and 2019 – visit www.mentalhealthfilmfest.nyc/changing-minds.
For more information about the NYC Mental Health Film Festival, visit www.mentalhealthfilmfest.nyc.
Winning film and select shortlisted films will be screened at the 2020 Changing Minds Young Filmmaker Festival, and the winning film will be screened at the 2020 NYC Mental Health Film Festival. Cash prizes for winning film and up to nine honorary mentions.