Attention all film lovers Social Justice and Mental Health advocates!

We are thrilled to announce “Change the Script” the first-ever Mental Health and Social Justice short film festival in Canada, hosted by Cine-Psych, a team of Mental Health professionals who are dedicated to raising awareness about Mental Health and Social Justice issues through their films. Despite operating on a zero budget, their films have repeatedly won awards at international film festivals, demonstrating the power of film to create change and inspire action.

“Change the Script” will showcase some of the most compelling and thought-provoking fiction and documentary films from around the world, highlighting the intersection of Mental Health and Social Justice.

The winning films will be featured in a screening event hosted at the historic Westdale Theatre in Hamilton, Ontario on November 29th, 2023. The Westdale Theatre has been a cornerstone of Hamilton's cultural scene since 1935, and has a long and storied history of showcasing the best in independent and alternative cinema. The theatre has recently undergone extensive renovations and is now equipped with state-of-the-art digital projection and sound, providing an unparalleled cinematic experience.

This year's festival promises to be a groundbreaking event that brings together filmmakers, Mental Health and Social Justice Advocates to celebrate the power of film to make a difference. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of the conversation and help drive change.

Best New Film-maker
Best Local Short(Hamilton, Niagara Region and Greater Toronto Area)
Best Anti-Stigma Short
Best Social Justice Short
Most Thought Provoking Short
Best Short informed by Lived Experience

Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Sound Design
Best Actor

REQUIREMENTS
-Films can be Fiction or Documentary based
-Films must have been completed after Jan. 1, 2018
-Films must have a run-time of 20 minutes or less
-Non-English films must have English sub-titles
-Films must have either a direct or metaphorical connection to Social Justice and/or
Mental Health Themes
-Films containing cruelty to animals, Extremist or propaganda content will be excluded
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-You may submit more than one film, but you must complete a separate entry form and pay the entry fee for each film.
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-Film selection for the festival will be made by the screening committee
-All filmmakers will be notified via email of acceptance
-Selected films will be screened at the festival event accompanied by an audience-panel discussion
-we will require a digital copy of the film to screen