The Open Mind Film Festival was established during Covid in 2020 to provide high school filmmakers an opportunity to express their views on mental health and wellness. Since that time we have received over 1,200 films from students across the country. Submissions have addressed topics such as anxiety, depression, suicide, body image, gender identity, social media, school gun violence, and more. We have presented awards to student filmmakers from Texas, Arkansas, California, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington. Many of the entrants have gone on to pursue their filmmaking dreams in various college film programs. 

 

In honor of our fifth year and to recognize their talent and commitment, we are increasing the amount we will be awarding to winning filmmakers. These new awards will be:

First Place: $1500

Second Place: $1200

Friends Choice Award: $1000

Please send us your short films
(5 minutes or less) by March 27: