Experiencing Interruptions?

Gentle Mentals

One in five people in the U.S. experiences a mental illness. But it's still considered a dark topic. We'd like to change that. What's dark is the stigma that disempowers people to get the help they need; people quietly suffering or worse—lives lost. We created these relatable animals with issues to lighten this heavy conversation. If we can smile and speak more openly about something that touches so many, we'd all be better for it.

  • Veronica Padilla
    Director
  • Veronica Padilla
    Writer
  • Veronica Padilla
    Producer
  • Jaime Klein
    Animator
  • Vakart
    Narrator
  • Veronica Padilla
    Illustrator
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short
  • Runtime:
    2 minutes 19 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 22, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    After Effects, 2D animation
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:4
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Factual Animation Film Fuss (FAFF)
    London
    United Kingdom
    October 7, 2017
    World Premiere
  • Flicks 4 Change
    Sydney
    United States
Director Biography - Veronica Padilla

Veronica Padilla is a self-taught maker with an extensive background in graphic design, illustration, art direction, product design, and styling. Veronica has spent over fifteen years as a commercial artist and her work has been showcased by a number of industry award shows and publications. She is the founder of Tiny Movement—a consciously-led design boutique which focuses on working with brands, foundations, and non-profits who are doing their best to make a difference. She lives in Chicago with her husband and her seventeen-year-old geriatric Yorkie, Roxy.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I am a suicide survivor. Not so coincidentally, I'm also the daughter of a suicide survivor. I am lucky and thankful to be alive. Many—way too many—aren't as lucky.

Gentle Mentals was created from a very personal and loving place. The intent of this project is to take an unexpected approach to flip the topic on its head and get people talking. If Gentle Mentals can make someone smile and pop open this difficult conversation, then I think it's served its purpose.

With love + hope,

:)

Veronica