Film is powerful. Film has the power to break down barriers and allow people to tell stories of mental anguish and mental triumph. The Mental Health Warrior Film Festival celebrates films that tell those stories. It will also showcase films from fellow Mental Health Warriors who use the medium of film to tell their stories.

This year The Mental Health Warrior Film Festival is an official NAMI WI event. NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the U.S., dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Founded in 1979 In Madison WI, it provides free education, support groups (such as NAMI Connection), and advocacy to fight stigma and promote recovery.

Awards & Prizes

I have decided that it is unfair to compete films against films for awards. If you have a film in our festival, you are already a winner and you will have a laurel you can put one your poster. As a person who has had films in a film festival I think awards and prizes can add a stress to the festival.

There are two Icon awards that this year celebrate outstanding performances in anxiety in film and television. The film award will go to Bill Murray for What About Bob and the television award will go to Tony Shalhoub for 8 seasons of Monk and Mr. Monk’s Last Case. The recipients have not yet RSVPd.

Rules & Terms

1). Must be at least 18 & older to submit your film. Any filmmakers under 18 will not be considered.
2). Submission doesn't mean admission. Not all those accepted will be playing on the big screen.
3). Costs for the submissions go towards the cost of the festival and the proceeds of the festival go to NAMI Wisconsin
4). Sexually explicit sequences. bordering the pornographic, will not be accepted.
5). The film doesn't have to be 100% focused on mental health.
6). We welcome international entries but the entries MUST have English subtitles.
7). Shorts have to be under 35 minutes While features have to be a minimum of 75 minutes and a maximum of 120 minutes.
8). You, as the filmmaker, are responsible for all licenses and permits that pertain to your film. You will be asked to provide a release for said licenses as well.
9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
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Networking
  • Adi Yadoni

    We are incredibly honored to have Belaian accepted into your esteemed film festival. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to share our work with such a distinguished audience. We wish the festival continued success and look forward to being part of this remarkable event. Best wishes to all the incredible films and filmmakers participating!

    May 2025
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  • Harry Waldman

    Thanks for selecting "Bay For Blood" into your festival. I wasn't able to attend the event in person, but I really enjoyed the online screening and was impressed with the attention to detail and level of communication provided. I had a very good experience overall, and will definitely consider submitting future projects to the Mental Health Warrior Film Festival.

    May 2025
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  • Diane Kaufman

    Thank you Mental Health Warrior Film Festival for your passion and dedication in mental health advocacy. We were honored that our short film, "Marble Me Free," that aims to break the cycle of pain and suicide, was selected for the online festival.

    May 2025
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  • Sophie Martinez

    I did not have a chance to attend this festival in person, but Max did an amazing job reaching out to filmmakers, getting local press involved, putting together a great program, and making the whole process feel professional. I'm excited to see where this festival goes in the coming years.

    May 2025
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  • Brian Plow

    Thanks for the opportunity to exhibit my film! I could not attend, but the welcome mat was rolled out for me anyway. Great communication and publicity. A bonus online festival component means more people could see my film. Thanks!

    May 2025
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