Saturday, May 17, 2025
7:00–9:00 PM

Village East by Angelika

Tickets to the event are only $10 and can be purchased at www.changingmindsfilmfestival.org.

Community Access proudly marks the 10th anniversary of its Changing Minds Young Filmmaker Festival, a groundbreaking celebration of young filmmakers (ages 15–25) who are transforming how we talk about mental health. Held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Village East by Angelika in New York City, the festival will present ten original short films that tackle mental health topics including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, gender identity, and PTSD. Following the screenings, audiences can participate in a live panel discussion and Q&A with the filmmakers.

This year’s dynamic lineup features:

Heads Full of Life by Teo Nalani (mixed media on friendship and mental health)

Before My Eyes by Simone Thomas-Rowe (a boy reflects on joyful moments during a traumatic school shooting)

Even Still by Grey Anderson (a story of trans joy, community, and happiness)

Ascendant by Lucrèce Wecxsteen (healing from toxic relationships)

Last One There by Corey Dostie (anxiety and identity explored through childhood memories)

Late September by Joey Tangradi (a portrait of spiraling anxiety)

Family Matters by Arthur Chen (a daughter’s navigation of her mother’s late bipolar diagnosis)

Arcade by Erica Travia (an animated exploration of anxiety and panic)

Feng Shui by Kofi King (the relationship between college dorms and mental health)

Solstice by Julia Messick (an experimental film about seasonal depression and isolation)

The festival, generously supported by the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund and the Isora Foundation, amplifies youth voices and breaks down stigma through the art of storytelling. Films were selected from more than 1,600 submissions, representing young creatives from New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and France. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.changingmindsfilmfestival.org.

Founded in 2015 as part of the NYC Mental Health Film Festival, Changing Minds has grown into a vital platform where young people share their lived experiences, foster empathy, and advocate for a world where mental health is openly discussed and supported.