NYC Mental Health Film Festival Fights Stigma, Challenges Audiences to Rethink Stereotypes

NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On October 1, 2016, the 12^th annual NYC Mental Health Film Festival (#MHFF2016) will present a day of inspiring films about life with mental health concerns, including the NYC and East Coast premiere of the feature film Boxed In, the directorial debut of actress Tasha Smith (star of the TV series Empire), and the Manhattan debut of Mind/Game, which chronicles WNBA star Chamique Holdsclaw's battle with bipolar disorder.  Filmmakers and cast members will be in attendance for an audience Q&A.

As the oldest and largest mental health film festival in the United States, #MHFF2016 takes a bold stand in fighting the stigma people with mental illness often face. The festival has screened more than 50 films, attracted over 5,000 audience members, and served as a positive voice promoting social justice and human rights for people with mental health concerns.  

Says Carla Rabinowitz, festival organizer at Community Access, "One in five people in the United States lives with mental illness, yet society continues to stigmatize mental health recipients as violent, weak or incapable, and in need of constant medication.  This film festival shines a light on how mental health consumers and their families employ humor, courage, and their natural gifts to make positive contributions, earn respect, and counter preconceived ideas about mental illness."

Mind/Game is among this year's official selections.  The film's subject, former WNBA star Chamique Holdsclaw, says: "I am so proud to show this film and share my story in my home state of New York at the NYC Mental Health Film Festival.  I am thrilled to be part of such an amazing event and to contribute to the important conversation surrounding mental health and stigma."

FESTIVAL INFO:

WHEN: Saturday, October 1, 2016
10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.   
VIP Reception at 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Village East Cinema 
181-189 2^nd Avenue & 12^th Street
Manhattan

TICKETS: $25 to $60 (A limited number of $100 VIP passes are available, and include a private reception with cast and producers of Boxed In & Mind/Game).

WEBSITE:  www.MentalHealthFilmFest.nyc

Contact: John Williams
Phone: (212) 780-1400, ext. 7772
Email: [email protected]  

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SOURCE Community Access

Related Links

www.MentalHealthFilmFest.nyc