CALL FOR ENTRIES

Open Screenplay is pleased to announce our next short film contest! Following the success of our Climate Change contest, we have partnered with Layla to empower you to write about a critical topic that impacts all of us, mental health.

COVID-19 has left many people feeling anxious, isolated, lonely and with a loss of independence and control over their own life. These are difficult feelings for certain, but the truth is that for people living with persistent mental health challenges, these feelings aren’t new. 

Mental health affects everyone, each person experiencing their own story with it. While our journeys are unique, hearing each other's stories can help us all. For those struggling with their mental health it is still too often difficult to speak openly. Telling stories about mental health has an incredible power to replace stigma with empowerment, isolation with community, and systemic shortcomings with collective demands for change.

We invite you to write a mental health story. What does it look like to live with mental health challenges? What does it look like to take steps, overcome challenges, and thrive? How can positive mental health communities be formed? What does mental health advocacy look like? How does the current system or societal structure help or fail people living with mental health challenges?

Although we’re all staying home right now, that doesn’t mean we can’t find a way to connect and support one another. Starting with your creativity and storytelling, we can foster connection, community and belonging and encourage a more open dialogue on mental health for everyone. 

We can't wait to read your stories.

Contest Entry Fee: Free