STIMULATE THE MIND at 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. If selected, your film will screen in-person in Hollywood, California.

MISSION:
The 4th annual Believe Psychology Film Festival proudly showcases films that portray, explore, tell a story, teach, expose, address, celebrate and 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 the human capacity.

Awards & Prizes

AWARD- GRAND PRIZE
Films that demonstrate exemplary representation of the overall mission of the festival will receive a Grand Prize Award. Films are welcome to submit in this category. Films can be any film type (short, documentary, feature, etc). *** Please note: Films are eligible to win Grand Prize Awards ONLY if you submit in the 5 Film Grand Prize Categories. You have 5x chances to win! Please note: This category is for FILMS only.

Film Grand Prize Award categories include:
Best Resiliency & Hope
Best Compassionate & Honest
Best Diversity
Best Spreading Awareness
Best Cinematically Captivating

Film Grand Prize Awards include:
- an engraved CRYSTAL trophy announcing your winner status (see pics above).
- 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 with a Licensed Psychologist for your current or next project

AWARD- SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT
Films that demonstrate exemplary representation of themes related to psychology will receive a Special Achievement Award.

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

AWARD- SCREENPLAY
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 Grand Prize Award includes:
- an engraved CRYSTAL trophy announcing your winner status (see pics above).
- an official Award Certificate and Laurel from Believe Psychology Film Festival
- a feature on Believe Psychology Film Festival website and social media pages

Screenplay Elite Prize Award includes:
- an official Award Certificate and Laurel from Believe Psychology Film Festival
- a feature on Believe Psychology Film Festival website and social media pages

Rules & Terms

Please review the following agreements necessary to participate in Believe Psychology Film Festival and Screenwriting Contest.

-You agree that you own the rights of your film and screenplay.
-You agree that the submitted film and screenplay will be in either English or have English subtitles.
-You agree that your submission will bear a nonrefundable entry fee.
-You agree that your submission is an original work.
-You agree to monitor FilmFreeway for the status of your submission.
-You agree to indemnify and hold harmless us, our officers, affiliates, sponsors, and partners from any and all claims and liability arising out of entering or transmitting your submission to the Believe Psychology Film Festival.
-You agree to grant Believe Psychology Film Festival the right to use the title, synopsis, poster, thumbnail and trailer of your submission for advertisement purposes, including using of those materials on Believe Psychology's website and social media channels.

Believe Psychology Film Festival does NOT accept the following:
-Extremist or propaganda content from religious or political organizations.
-Pornography.

Requirements:
- Film submissions must be available to view through FilmFreeway's online screening interface.
- Screenplays should include a brief synopsis, list of characters and be in a PDF format.
- We strongly encouraged you to be present at the award ceremony. If you receive an award and are not able to be present, you will need to provide shipping information and pay postage for all awards that are shipped internationally (this includes customs charges in your country upon receipt of your gift).

* By submitting your film or screenplay, take note that:
- Submitter will be given credit for all material submitted as it is their own intellectual property and will remain so.
-Submitter agrees they have read and understood all the terms and conditions, rules and guidelines before submitting a project.
- Official Selection Nominees to the festival will receive 1 COMPLIMENTARY admission to their BPFF screening.

44 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Michael P. Fogerty

    Dr. Damond and the rest of the team were so humble and welcoming - and boy did they treat us well. From the professionally done Q&As to the never-ending, delicious food, the entire event was masterfully crafted. My favorite part was meeting all of the talented filmmakers and having the pleasure to discuss film, mental health and recovery with some very special, like-minded, smart and creative individuals. Many thanks for letting our little short be showcased among so many beautiful films.

    September 2023
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  • Elias Hinojosa

    Wow.. what an insightful experience and one-of-a-kind opportunity to share psychological stories with actual psychologists. I had the honor of sharing my film "WIDOW" to an engaged and engaging audience of intellects, professionals and curious, open minds. The other films selected each had a psychological purpose and were made by artists of all backgrounds. The festival itself felt connected to the community and neighborhood it was in... local cuisine, resources. Stories were told, important conversations were had and valuable connections were made. Thank you BPFF! 10/10

    August 2023
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  • Nikita Liu

    I had a wonderful time at this festival. Unique films and amazing people. Thank you for having me and thank you for the award! ❤️

    June 2023
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  • Andy Heck

    This was an incredible festival to be apart of. Thank you for selecting our film, Junkin', to be screened among so many amazing films. This festival had it all: an important mission, great venue, excellent hospitality, and meaningful networking events. I would be very happy to be apart of this festival again in the future!

    June 2023
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  • Elliott Haimoff

    Quite a unique event - well organized and the event went drama free (except they should add more parking spaces to the event attendees)

    June 2023
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