Back for its fifth edition, Singapore's Mental Health Film Festival (MHFFS) will occur this week (7-10 November). This year's festival is all about breaking down barriers around mental health. With six international feature films following the theme "Building Bridges to Mental Well-being," and a whole lineup of meaningful discussions, this event promises more than just movies—it's about kickstarting conversations that matter.
Immerse yourself in the screenings—drawn from real-life stories that reflect the highs, lows, and everything in between of mental health struggles. Think dementia, navigating family dynamics and even caregiver burnout—the things that we rarely discuss but should. This year's picks included heartfelt tales like Tan Pei Lin's LADY!, a moving story of love and resilience in the face of young-onset dementia. As well as Kim Hopkins' A Bunch of Amateurs, a warm look at companionship in today's digital age. If you're into animation, Deep Sea is a stunning 3D-animated journey exploring themes like childhood abandonment and depression.
Another film to look out for is All the Long Nights and how the disorders mentioned in it might be easily seen as trivial but are more serious than one assumes. Misa Fujisawa (Mone Kamishiraishi) experiences extreme PMS while her new colleague, Takatoshi Yamazoe (Hokuto Matsumura) suffers from panic disorder. Watch as the two become aware of each other's struggles and the support that they provide.
But the films are only part of the experience. After each screening, there are talks that feature mental health professionals and people with lived experiences. These panels are all geared toward sparking open and honest discussions. Chairperson of MHFFS, Dr Jade Kua put it best, "MHFFS films and conversations allow people to see themselves, feel understood and find hope. Our goal is to encourage honest dialogue, foster understanding, and build a more compassionate community that embraces mental well-being for all.”
If you're wondering what the future of mental health storytelling looks like, the Short Film Youth Competition (SFYC) might be the ticket. Open to filmmakers under 35, SFYC aims to inspire young creators to tackle mental health through the medium of film. It's a competition, sure, but it's also a platform for young voices to showcase their work. The top 22 finalists' films will be screened during the festival, followed by Q&A sessions that will shed insights into their films.
Tickets are available now available.
