International Film Awards (2008)
Winner of the Jury Prize for Hidden Gifts
The SMHAFF 2008 film competition highlighted the work of filmmakers from all over the globe who used mental health in its broadest sense as a theme for their productions.
Jury Prize
Hidden Gifts: The Mystery of Angus McPhee
Nick Higgins (UK, 2004) 25m
Hidden Gifts is a creative documentary that explores the mystery of art and mental illness. It tells the story of Angus MacPhee, “the quiet big man” from South Uist, who wove clothes from grass. Diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1946 Angus was taken from his island home on South Uist to Craig Dunain psychiatric hospital among the hills near Inverness in the Scottish highlands. For fifty years he spoke not a single word to any member of the hospital staff. His presence was also an absence; his secret grass weaving his only form of expression.
Award Winners
Animation
Winner
Biomation: An Animated Introduction to Asperger Syndrome
York Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Art Action York (UK, 2008)
Developed by young people with Asperger’s syndrome in conjunction with the Lime Trees and Art Action York, this short animation explains what Asperger’s syndrome is and what it feels like.
Animation
Highly Commended
Like Me, Only Better
Martin Pickles (UK, 2007) 5m
A man called Clive tries to become a better person and to overcome his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This laconic comedy establishes a link between his Catholic upbringing, his childhood imagination and his adult phobias and compulsions.
4Talent Scotland
Winner
Positive Mental Attitudes
Positive Mental Attitudes (Scotland)
Animations created by Positive Mental Attitudes, a participatory arts group based in Glasgow.
4Talent Scotland
Highly Commended
Under My Skin
Short Documentary
Winner
One Egg Custard…One Pork Pie
Sue Wells (2008)
Short Documentary
Highly Commended
Failed
Inspiration
Winner
Beyond the Magic Wand
Submit Your Film
The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) will return from 19 October to 8 November 2026 for its 20th year.
Film submissions are open until Friday 17 April 2026. Find full guidelines and eligibility criteria on our FilmFreeway listing.
