The sixth annual Open Mind Film Festival for high school students will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at UCLA’s James Bridges Theater. We are now accepting short films (5 minutes or less) on mental health and wellness issues impacting teens. At the festival the finalist films will be screened and awards will be presented to four young filmmakers.
For the first time this year we will be awarding a prize to the best animated film. The prizes will be:
First Prize: $1,500
Second Prize: $1,200
Best Animation: $1,200
Friends Choice Award: $1,000
Submissions will be accepted, up to the March 26, 2026 deadline.
Previous films have addressed social media, depression, body image, gun violence, gender identity and more. Entries will be screened by members of the Friends of Semel Film Festival Committee and the finalist films will be judged by a panel made up of members of the entertainment community and mental health advocates.
Get involved in the important conversation about teen mental health. Submit your films and join us next April to see the finalist films on the big screen.
