Focus on Fests
FILMS - PERFORMANCE - PANELS
MENTAL HEALTH - DISABILITY - RECOVERY - UNSHELTERED - AUTISM - REFUGEE

1 IN 5 PEOPLE HAVE MENTAL HEALTH DIFFICULTIES. LET’S MAKE THINGS BETTER FOR EVERYONE.
FOCUS ON FESTS 2026 is back. With an incredible program of interactive content from around the world and right here in Salt Lake City. Featuring films, ideas and tips celebrating and educating issues around MENTAL HEALTH - DISABILITY - RECOVERY - UNSHELTERED - AUTISM - REFUGEE, with a goal of ending stigma. Including youth and all ages programs.

what/where/who?
FOCUS ON FESTS is a series of ideas and advocacy events focusing on ending the stigma in mental health, disability, recovery, unsheltered, autism, refugee and other marginalized issues through films, ideas and interactions.

These one of a kind events encompass creative expression, multi-media, story-telling, live performance and technology to create a vibrant community with proud labels. Labeled Fest is an interactive community event that aims to increase awareness and decrease stigma through education and advocacy.

What will I get from going to Focus on Fests?
Learn - Learn about mental health and how to get help in your community.
Enjoy - See incredible advocacy films. Narrative, documentary and experimental including premieres.
Take Part - Tell your story, screen your film or show your art.
Impact - Build strong communities.
Creative Expression Workshops - Gain arts skills.
Resources - Implementable action plans and how to access care.

Each event will screen an official selection of films specific to the focused issue along with overarching content - Screenings and events will take place at Utah Film Center, 375 W 400 N, Salt Lake City, UT 84103

May 19th 2026

Awards & Prizes

The Missing Piece Trophy

Many prizes across all categories.
Trophies.
Swag.
and the best of all...APPLAUSE!!

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION PROCESS:

1. All submissions MUST include a cover letter which details why the film was made (50 words minimum) and how it relates to Mental Health - Disability - Recovery - Unsheltered - Autism (50 words minimum). Entries without a cover letter including this information will not be considered. (The option to add a cover letter becomes available on FilmFreeway before and after final submission.)

2. All submitted work must be original, and the submitter must either have festival rights to the film or permission to submit it.

3. Please ensure that non-English language films have English language subtitles.

4. Films previously submitted to the festival will not be considered.

SELECTION PROCESS:

1. The International Film Competition awards jury will be comprised of people with backgrounds in film, in mental health, or both. The decisions of the jury are final. Unfortunately we are unable to provide feedback on films which have not been selected for an award.

2. The winning films selected by the jury will be screened during the festival and honored at the awards ceremony.

3. For work that has been selected, the festival will be in contact regarding a high quality screening copy. We cannot pay for related costs or arrange transport, but will cover return.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:

1. All films submitted must have full festival clearance, including written consent/contracts where appropriate for individuals identifiable within the film (paid or unpaid), full musical clearance and third party clearance. It is also the responsibility of the person submitting the film to ensure that any necessary agreements are in place and valid prior to submission. By submitting a film, the person doing so guarantees that all required permissions have been obtained.

2. We may utilize clips of selected films in order to publicize the festival and related events. Submission of an entry form is considered granting the festival permission to do so.

3. High resolution still images will be requested for selected films.

Creativity in awareness
Social Change
Narrative or documentary
Any genre
Films to have a message or an emotional response
Short or feature
9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jennifer Booth

    Focus on Fests was wonderful! Our film was shown along with six other heartfelt films. We enjoyed every one of them.
    Thank you Brian Higgins for running this festival on a topic that needs to be talked about...Mental Health Awareness.
    Thank you so much,
    Jenn Booth

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Matthew Baltar

    This is an amazing festival with a great mission and wonderful, supportive people working behind the scenes to give underrepresented creators and audiences a creative platform to connect.

    May 2025
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  • Ian Rafael Black

    Wonderful people, all very committed to their cause, and an absolute pleasure to work with.

    May 2025
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  • Emily Troedson

    A wonderful organization and festival for such a meaningful cause. We didn't get to attend in-person, but we were so honored to be selected as part of their festival. Thank you!

    May 2025
    Helpful
  • Maxwell Feinstein

    I was thrilled to be featured at this festival as a speaker and performer. They are doing noble work

    June 2023
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