News

This year SMHAF is partnering with Summerhall in Edinburgh for a three-week programme of theatre, music, exhibitions and more, to mark our 20th year.

We’re thrilled to announce the filmmakers and special guests who will join us for our Focus on Film programme at SMHAF 2025.

We’re delighted to announce that Heather E Andrews has won the Grand Jury Prize for her short film This Werewolf Complex at the festival’s 2024 International Film Awards ceremony. 

Christian Noelle Charles is working with the festival as a Film Hub Scotland New Producer. Here she tells us about a powerful immersive screening event she’s curated that explores the lived experiences of Black women.

Duncan Cowles (Silent Men) and Clare Prenton (Men Don’t Talk) compare notes about why men can be so reluctant to talk about mental health.

A particular theme being explored in this year’s festival is men’s mental health. Four powerful, creative events aim to encourage men to open up about their mental health and how they are feeling.

SMHAF features a diverse programme of events created by communities, for communities. Here, we put the spotlight on the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway.

Some exciting new events have been added to the festival programme. From online discussions about mental health and the arts, to a mini film festival in Cumbernauld and opportunities to connect with nature in the Highlands, there’s plenty to discover…

Most of the events in our festival are organised by communities and community-focused organisations across Scotland. Today we’re taking a look at Lanarkshire’s impressive programme of over 30 events – a mix of creative workshops, concerts, multi-arts extravaganzas and moving talks.

28 filmmakers and special guests will join us for our Focus on Film programme at SMHAF 2024 – running from 16-19 October in Glasgow.