September 17, 2021

It’s back! Register for our Mental Health Film Festival

We are thrilled to bring back one of our favorite events this fall – our free, virtual Mental Health Film Festival! Join us from October 17-22 to learn more about a variety of mental health issues and how we can all best support the mental health of our community.

This year, we are so excited to partner with seven community organizations in Howard County, along with Columbia Festival of the Arts, to host each film screening, followed by a community discussion with filmmakers, panelists and more. Here’s the schedule:

  • Sunday, October 17 at 3 p.m. – Chasing Childhood
    The overprotected, over-directed, over-pressured childhood is the new normal. How can we eschew harmful parenting strategies and empower our kids to become their most authentic selves? Hosted by Oakland Mills Online

  • Sunday, October 17 at 6 p.m. – Try Harder
    In a universe where cool kids are nerds, the orchestra is world class and being Asian American is the norm, seniors at Lowell High School compete for the top prize: admission to the college of their dreams. Hosted by the Howard County Chinese School

  • Monday, October 18 at 6 p.m. – Each and Every Day
    This film showcases relatable and authentic portraits of young people dealing with suicide and emphasizes help seeking and hope. Hosted by the Chinese American Parent Association of Howard County

  • Tuesday, October 19 at 6 p.m. – Bedlam
    Through intimate stories of patients, families and medical providers, Bedlam immerses us in the crisis surrounding care of the severely mentally ill. Hosted by Temple Isaiah Sisterhood

  • Wednesday, October 20 at 6 p.m. – The Reason I Jump
    This extraordinary film takes viewers on a sonic dive into the interior worlds and fascinating daily experience of the lives of five nonverbal autistic young people. Hosted by Howard County Autism Society

  • Thursday, October 21 at 6 p.m. – Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools
    This documentary illuminates how the adultification of black girls impacts their mental health and how the collateral consequences feed the school to prison pipeline. Hosted by Columbia Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

  • Friday, October 22 at 6 p.m. – The Weight of Gold
    This documentary explores the mental health challenges that Olympic athletes often face. The film seeks to encourage people to seek help and highlight the need for readily available support. Hosted by Alston for Athletes

Learn more about each of the films and register today!

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