Welcome to Believe Psychology Film Festival and Screenwriting Contest! Make your mark on the history of cinema by including your film or screenplay in a celebration of movies and stories influenced by psychology.
Psychology has been a part of the film industry since the 1930s-1940s. As the field of psychology became popular in the United States, Hollywood began producing a large number of psychological movies reflecting both psychopathy (mental illness) and the healing effects of psychology (mental health) in people’s lives. Today, the topic of psychology and mental health has received national attention and movies reflecting psychology are needed for widespread distribution.
Both internationally and within the US, we find filmmakers, directors, writers and producers like yourself contributing your vision of how psychology influences modern day storylines.
Believe Psychology Film Festival aims to promote films and screenplays that include dynamics of psychology. We are looking for films and scripts that address, depict, represent, tell the story, show, highlight, teach, expose, explore, offer guidance, celebrate and/or raise awareness about topics related to psychology.
Themes of psychology are varied and multifaceted. It is not limited to stories labeled mental health or mental illness. It includes stories of everyday life. Psychology movies tell stories of joy, disappointment, triumph, loss, perseverance, hardship, and growth while exploring the complexities of interpersonal relationships. We are looking for stories that capture a peek into the lives of their characters and expose viewers to their unique perspective.
The path to reducing stigma toward the field of psychology is to increase the number of stories being told that are influenced by psychological themes and to do so with compassion and honesty. We invite filmmakers and screenwriters to share their artistic contributions and inspire a world to a deeper understanding of human capacity.
Please note: This event is planned to be a live in-person event. If COVID-19 closures continue to prevent large gatherings in public places in 2021, we will notify you of alternative options.
No fee waivers will be given for this year's event.
Films that demonstrate exemplary representation of the overall mission of the festival will receive a Grand Prize Award.
Film Grand Prize Award categories include:
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary Film
Best Animation Film
Film Grand Prize Awards include:
- an engraved trophy announcing your winner status
- an official Award Certificate and Laurel from Believe Psychology Film Festival
- a feature on Believe Psychology Film Festival website and social media pages
- Free (2) two hours of Psychological Consultation by a Licensed Psychologist for your current or next project
Films that demonstrate exemplary representation of themes related to psychology will receive a Special Achievement Award.
Film Special Achievement Award categories include:
Best Director
Best Actor/Actress/Performer
Best Depression/Grief
Best Anxiety
Best Trauma
Best Caregiver
Best Therapy/Therapist
Best Parenting
Best Psychosis
Best Healing/Recovery
Best Relationships
Best Body Image
Best Identity/ Diversity/ Cultural
Best Mental Health Promotion
Best Hope/ Happiness/ Positivity
Film Prizes for Special Achievement Awards include:
- an official Award Certificate and Laurel from Believe Psychology Film Festival
- a feature on Believe Psychology Film Festival website and social media pages
- cash, amounts vary dependent on category and sponsorship
- gift certificates, amounts vary dependent on category and sponsorship
- more prizes to be announced
Screenplays that demonstrate exemplary representation of the overall mission of the festival will receive a Grand Prize Award (1st place) and an Elite Prize Award (2nd place).
Screenplay Award categories include:
Best Psychology Screenplay- 1st Place- Grand Prize Award
Best Psychology Screenplay- 2nd Place- Elite Prize Award
Screenplay Prize Awards include:
- an official Award Certificate and Laurel from Believe Psychology Film Festival
- a feature on Believe Psychology Film Festival website and social media pages
- the ability to proudly announce that you are "an award winning writer"
- A free Inktip Script Listing where hundreds of reps and producers can find your contest-winning script
- A screenwriting book highlighting the integration of psychology and screenwriting.