Submissions for the Aotearoa Mental Health Film Festival 2024 are now open.
Gearing up for its second annual event, the Aotearoa Mental Health Film Festival promises another year of inspiring stories of hope that defy stereotypes, helping to shift mental health perspectives – one frame at a time.
Submissions are open until 1 September 2024, with the events starting in November in theatres around the motu. Filmmakers are invited to submit their short films via Film Freeway, and to download and read the official guidelines document before submitting their film.
By telling stories through A New Lens, the theme of the festival, we are letting people with mental health challenges know they are not alone, and with the right tautoko and support people can and do recover.
In November 2023 the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand proudly hosted the first ever Aotearoa Mental Health Film Festival (AMHFF). The festival featured 18 stories of hope — all short films by New Zealand film makers offering honest portrayals of mental health and wellbeing. These films were seen by 3000+ audience members in theatres around the country and online.
Delightful, challenging, raw and beautiful all wrapped up into one unique experience. ~ AMHFF 2023 audience member.
I loved all of the different short films. More people need to see these and realise that mental health problems are not just the extreme cases and that there is help for people. ~ AMHFF 2023 audience member.
For too long, mental health has been misrepresented in film - often in violent, stigmatising, and hopeless ways. Kua tae te wā! It's time for a new lens. Find submission details here.
Watch to discover the impact of the inaugural Aotearoa Mental Health Film Festival in 2023.