Like many independent films, OC87: The Obsessive Compulsive, Major Depression, Bipolar, Asperger’s Movie was first shared with audiences at film festivals. The documentary is about the lived experience of mental illness and recovery of one of the film’s directors, Bud Clayman. Because our goal was to fight stigma and show that recovery from mental illness is possible, we were determined to have the film screened at both mainstream festivals as well as those festivals focused exclusively about mental health. Both festival audiences were interested in a good story with strong characters and universal themes. Both audiences laughed at the humor in the film, and were taken with the “Lost In Space” section, wherein Good Buddy fights his nemesis, Bad Buddy.

Filming the “Lost In Space” scene for the documentary “OC87”

However, there was a difference when it came time for the Q&A (Question and Answer) session immediately after each screening. Mainstream audiences were very interested in Buddy’s journey with mental health and filmmaking. The film introduced them to Buddy’s lived experience in common public spaces – on the bus, in the street, at a restaurant. Most comments were about the power of the sequences and how the film had made people imagine (possibly for the first time) what it was like to be in this world struggling with mental health issues. Empathy ensued and people were educated.

“OC87” screening at the 2010 PMHCA Conference

The response was different, and perhaps more powerful, by audiences that were more familiar with the world of mental health. Attendees from more specialized film festival audiences saw Buddy as a role model, somebody further along in his recovery journey, somebody they could aspire to be like. The same sequences that were news to mainstream audiences (scenes that showed Buddy’s struggles with everyday events) were very familiar to those who struggle with similar challenges. Seeing them artfully portrayed on the screen was empowering, and gave viewers a sense that they were not alone in their struggle. As one of our earliest audience members expressed it, “You gave my story the red carpet treatment!” He felt that even though we were telling Buddy’s story, his experiences were so closely tied to Buddy’s journey, we were telling his story as well.

People share their own recovery journeys with one another after viewing the documentary “OC87”

The festivals create a safe and creative space for people to share their stories and allow new filmmakers a place to show their work and lovers of film a place to watch, discuss and think about important themes surrounding mental health, recovery, growth and change.

This is a working list that will always be part of our site. With your help it will become more full and vibrant. Please send in ideas for other festivals that we may not yet know about, or comments about your experiences at any of the festivals that we do list here.

Stigma is fought by visibility and education. Films are a powerful way to explain, enlighten and encourage people who may not have any experience with mental illness. Discussions after films are also important ways of connecting with people and sharing ideas and information, another way to help people who do know the pain of mental illness feel not so alone in their own recovery journey.

2014 Dates TBD, Las Vegas, Denton, New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Delray Beach, Sacramento, and San Francisco // Accepting submissions

REEL Recovery Film Festival is produced by Writers in Treatment and promotes treatment for people suffering from addiction, self-destructive behaviors, or mental illnesses. Included films share stories of recovery in hopes to create awareness, education and inspiration. New screening dates will be added to this post as they are announced.

March 6 – 11, 2014, New York, New York // Accepting submissions for 2015

The Reel Abilities Film Festival takes place in a number of locations in the USA. It is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness about the experience of living with a disability. Most film screenings are followed by post-screening discussions. Reel Abilities Film Festival looks for films by and about people with disabilities that explore, discuss and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience.

March 20 – 27, 2014, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania // Accepting submissions for 2015

The Reel Abilities Film Festival takes place in a number of locations in the USA. It is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness about the experience of living with a disability. Most film screenings are followed by post-screening discussions. Reel Abilities Film Festival looks for films by and about people with disabilities that explore, discuss and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience.

March 31 – April 6, 2014, Richmond, Virginia // Accepting submissions for 2015

The Reel Abilities Film Festival takes place in a number of locations in the USA. It is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness about the experience of living with a disability. Most film screenings are followed by post-screening discussions. Reel Abilities Film Festival looks for films by and about people with disabilities that explore, discuss and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience.

April 25 – 29, 2014, Chicago, Illinois // Accepting submissions for 2015

The Reel Abilities Film Festival takes place in a number of locations in the USA. It is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness about the experience of living with a disability. Most film screenings are followed by post-screening discussions. Reel Abilities Film Festival looks for films by and about people with disabilities that explore, discuss and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience.

May 2014, Indianapolis, Indiana // Accepting submissions through February 28, 2014

The Shining Light Film Festival is presented by Awareness of Mental Health for the Performing Arts and encourages anyone to submit their films that bring awareness to mental health and the recovery process. They look for hopeful stories that allow others to feel as though they are not alone.

May 17 – 18, 2014, Brooklyn Heights, New York

NYC Mental Health Film Festival celebrates it’s tenth annual festival this year sponsored by Community Access and NYAPRS. The theme of the festival this year is “Hospitalizations and the Alternatives.” The thought provoking films include Kings Park, A Sister’s Call, Technically Speaking, and Coming Off Pscyh Drugs. The films are followed by a Q&A and free lunch.

July 18 – 20, 2014, Los Angeles, California // Accepting submissions

The IOCDF Conference features more than 100 presentations, workshops, and seminars as well as nearly two-dozen support groups and various evening events including films about mental health. The presenters include some of the most experienced and knowledgeable clinicians and researchers in the field, as well as people with OCD and family members sharing their stories about life with OCD.

October 2014, Glasgow, Scottland

The Scottish Mental Health Film Festival includes films in addition to visual art, theater, dance, and music with themes of mental health.

October 15 – 19, 2014, Bay Area, California // Accepting submissions for 2015

The Reel Abilities Film Festival takes place in a number of locations in the USA. It is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness about the experience of living with a disability. Most film screenings are followed by post-screening discussions. Reel Abilities Film Festival looks for films by and about people with disabilities that explore, discuss and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience.