In its sixth year, the Open Mind Film Festival invited high school students across the country to produce short films telling their personal stories about mental health and wellness.  Over 200 films were submitted. The festival was held on Sunday, April 26 at the James Bridges Theater on the UCLA campus. 

The finalist films that were screened at the festival were evaluated by a panel of judges with experience in filmmaking and/or mental health. These judges selected four films to be awarded the following prizes: 1st Place - $1,500, 2nd Place - $1,200, Friends Choice award - $1,000, and Best Animation - $1,200. Actress and mental health advocate Sarah Gilman presented the awards.

The festival was hosted by singer/songwriter, Em Beihold. Em tells her stories and shares her feelings by composing and performing original songs. Her first runaway hit song, Numb Little Bug, was produced in 2022, after which she appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and The Late Late Show with James Corden.