Film submissions are now open for the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) 2025. We’re calling on filmmakers working in any genre and style to submit work that addresses mental health and the various ways this can be understood or reflected.
All films that are submitted will be considered for screening in the SMHAF 2025 programme and eligible to win an award at our International Film Awards ceremony.
Previous award winners include Silent Men (Duncan Cowles, 2024), This Werewolf Complex (Heather E Andrews, 2024), Too Rough (Sean Lìonadh, 2022), Judy Versus Capitalism (Mike Hoolboom, 2020), That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore (Hannah Currie, 2019), Evelyn (Orlando Von Einsiedel, 2018) and Summer, 1993 (Carla Simón, 2017). Find out more about past editions of the International Film Awards here.
Our programme
Our programme is renowned for championing work by filmmakers with lived experience of mental health problems, exploring how film can challenge stigma and perceptions, and raising awareness about inequalities and mental health.
Films made by – or in collaboration with – communities affected by mental health, and films by first-time or aspiring filmmakers, are very welcome.
The dates and theme for the festival will be announced in the New Year.
How to submit
Visit our FilmFreeway page to find full details of the competition and submit your film. Please read the guidelines carefully before submitting to ensure your film is eligible.
There is a submission fee to help us cover the costs of running the competition but we offer a waiver code to anyone who would find this a barrier to submission.
If you have any questions about the submission process or have any other enquiries about our film programme, please email Rob Dickie at rdickie@mentalhealth.org.uk.
Feedback from filmmakers
Here is a selection of feedback from filmmakers who have shared their work with us and attended the festival in recent years.
I leave inspired by other films, people and their stories, and my work is validated through sharing and discussion with the audience. Knowing there are others struggling with mental health and making work is a good thing.
Filmmaker Feedback
This festival is a rare thing – a seamlessly run event that creates caring, safe and welcoming environments in which filmmakers, mental health professionals and informed, curious or ‘theme-invested’ audiences can experience the thrilling and powerful film storytelling the festival programmes, then relax, discuss and share opinions and views with each other and the festival staff too who passionately believe in the power of film to communicate, heal and inspire, and also work tirelessly to make your festival experience a delightful one. Go!
Tim Mercier, Filmmaker
I’m grateful for this opportunity to amplify voices that are rarely heard. My team felt welcomed and free from stigma, which, sadly, isn’t always the case. The discussions during the Q&As were powerful, filled with thoughtful topics and genuine care. This is exactly what we need—a safe space to share and witness difficult subjects within our community.
Elina Bry, Filmmaker
Participating has meant that our project has been shared with a wider audience and given our charity a boost publicly. And, for our participants, [it has given them] a massive boost in their confidence and a great sense of achievement. It has encouraged us to look to source funding for another film project.
Filmmaker Feedback
Submit on FilmFreeway
Submissions for the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2026 are open until Friday 17 April. Find full guidelines and eligibility criteria on our FilmFreeway listing.
