There's Comfort in Community

This programme explores human connection and the profound comfort found in community.

Reflecting participatory approaches and close ties between filmmakers and contributors, these short films highlight how adversity can be transformed into opportunities for healing and solace can be found in the bonds forged with others. Their stories remind us of community’s vital role as a source of comfort, togetherness, and collective resilience.

About the Programme

Project Ability Experimental Documentary d. Morag Macgilchrist, Grant Glennie, Simon McAuley, Stuart Low (Scotland, 2025) 6m

Experimental short film made by members of Project Ability’s ReConnect programme for people with lived experience of mental ill health.

Paths d. Annmarie Strain (Scotland, 2024) 13m

Robbie can’t decide which path he should go down, and with outside pressure, he is struggling. All his life, he has had something to prove to people, but has it now become too much? Robbie has a choice to make, but he can’t do it alone. Maybe the words of a stranger can help him on his journey.


Heartbeats of Hope d. Aoise Tutty Jackson, Kevin O’Shanahan (Ireland, 2025) 13m

An inspiring documentary exploring the West Cork Feelgood Festival’s decade-long impact on mental health. Through the personal stories of artists and contributors, the film highlights how the festival fosters hope, support and connection within communities.


To Dance Again d. MG Evangelista (USA, 2024) 7m

After an unprecedented tragedy for the Asian American community of Monterey Park, ballroom dancing offers an unexpected path to healing and joy.


What It Means to Be d. Lea Luiz De Oliveira (Scotland, 2023) 35m

Callie Rose Petal is a multidisciplinary artist-activist who uses her position in STEM to fight for trans* rights and representation. As the world’s doors close due to the pandemic and her health declines, her heart opens to the truth of her womanhood. She embarks on a journey of self-acceptance and turns to art-as-activism to inspire others.


Men-Tal d. Miguel Gutierrez (UK, 2025)

A raw and powerful exploration of men’s mental health, told through the voices of nine men who share their deeply personal journeys. From moments of isolation to finding strength in community, the film weaves their stories into a visual and emotional tapestry. Guided by their words, artist Neil Keating transforms their experiences into striking artwork, bridging the gap between struggle and resilience.

SMHAF 2025: Comfort & Disturb

Our theme, Comfort & Disturb, references the famous Cesar A Cruz quote that “art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable”. It is a simple expression of the power of art both to challenge and to console, often having a transformative effect on people and societies. The theme was collectively chosen by SMHAF’s team of regional coordinators, along with the arts team from the Mental Health Foundation. Across Scotland, hundreds of programme events have been developed in response to this powerful theme.