Changing Minds – Youth Film Festival

Established in 2015 by Community Access, Changing Minds is a filmmaking and storytelling initiative by and for young people between 15-25 years old. It has grown to become a festival and stigma challenging community education program that sparks real-life conversations about mental health matters among young people and adults alike. Changing Minds has received over 5,000 films from young people in 100+ countries around the world—and are dedicated to keep lifting up young people’s stories and experiences.

We will begin with a screening of short films selected for the 2026 Festival. A panel discussion will follow chaired by Mikel Morado, Festival Organizer and Community Outreach Coordinator, featuring Changing Minds filmmakers Kendra Brown and Dani Ellsworth, Nils Fietje, Co-Founder of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab and WHO Europe Technical Officer, and Elisabeth Bahr, Jameel Arts and Health Lab Postdoctoral Research Associate.

Event Flow 

  • 6:00PM: Doors Open
  • 6:30PM: Opening Remarks
  • 6:45PM: Film screenings begin
  • 7:45PM: Panel and Discussion Begins
  • 8:30PM: Event ends