The National Alliance on Mental Illness, (NAMI) is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the United States. We are hosting our 7th annual Reel Minds Film Festival and looking forward to connecting our mission of mental health awareness with the arts!

Films are a compelling storytelling form that connects with our deepest sensibilities. That's why NAMI Miami-Dade is showcasing a curated list of short films inspired by the lives of those who have been affected by mental illness. These narratives will share a range of life experiences meant to inspire, heal, and empower. The festival will explore the intersection of art, mental illness, film and storytelling for a unique immersive experience.

Awards & Prizes

We are proud to present the Chrysalis Award, a special recognition presented to one selected film that best reflects NAMI’s mission and the lived experiences of those we serve. Much like a chrysalis symbolizes growth, transformation, and hope, this award honors films that authentically portray mental health journeys while inspiring understanding, compassion, and resilience.

Films will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Production quality
Accurate and thoughtful representation of mental health conditions and/or their impact on loved ones
A hopeful, empowering, or inspirational message

Film submissions will be reviewed by a panel of community leaders, mental health advocates, and individuals with experience in film, storytelling, and mental health awareness. Jury members will be announced closer to the festival date.

Rules & Terms

Submission Policy:

We are accepting short films about mental health conditions (and co-occurring disorders, such as addiction, with mental illness).

Films MUST be about hope and recovery and mental health conditions must be the focus topic of the film, which includes but is not limited to:

Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Postpartum Disorders, OCD (Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder), Eating Disorders (BDD, Bulimia, Anorexia, etc), Anxiety, Depression, Addiction

All films must be rated "G" or "PG-13."

Film Requirements:

-Time: Minimum 4 Minutes, Maximum 25 Minutes
-Spoken Language: Films MUST be either in English spoken language, Creole spoken language, or Spanish spoken language. No other spoken languages are accepted.
-Films in Spanish or Creole must have English subtitles (English language films that have Spanish or Creole subtitles are a plus)

Anyone, under age 18, submitting a film must have parental/guardian consent. Please contact us for more information.

All films must follow this export format:

1920 x 1080, .mp4 (H.264 compression) (Vimeo presets work well)
Square pixels
23.98 OR 24 FPS ; Stereo Sound

Films that will NOT be considered:

- Films that fall under the Horror, Psychological Thriller, or Experimental categories. Anything highly violent or sexual will also not be accepted.
- Films that are AI generated
- Messages that promote inaccurate portrayals of mental health conditions or individuals who experience them.

Please DO NOT submit if your film is unrelated to mental illness.

3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Darren & Suzanne James-Teale

    Thank you to the festival for including our film The Edge of Reality. Great communication and a wonderful programme of speakers and films.

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • Matthew Villegas

    I had the honor of showing my film "My Week With Charlie" at Reel Minds and had a wonderful experience. The staff does a great job of curating films and really making sure that the filmmakers get their recognition. Thanks again!

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • Roberto Sanchez

    Great selection of films! Very important festival to have.

    December 2020
    Helpful