Proudly presented by the Mental Health Foundation Australia
Welcome to the 3rd edition of the
Multicultural Mental Health Film Festival
The Multicultural Mental Health Film Festival (MMHFF), facilitated by the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA), showcases powerful short films that explore mental illness, resilience, trauma, and cultural identity from Australia and around the world. We welcome bold, honest films that explore mental health, trauma, identity, and culture. MMHFF proudly supports Indigenous, queer, neurodivergent, and disabled filmmakers, and values authenticity over palatability.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, film-lover, advocate, or mental health professional—this is your festival.
Festival Info
Overview of this year's categories, key dates, submission guidelines, awards & prizes and where to submit.
Organisers
Meet the passionate team behind the film festival driving its, mission, vision, creativity, and digital presence.
Judges
Get to know the expert panel of judges selecting this year's film festival's standout films and powerful stories.
Mission
Learn why this festival was created and how it connects to broader mental health advocacy in multicultural communities.
Get Involved
Find out how you can contribute, you can volunteer, donate, sponsor, or be part of the participation of the festival.
Frames of Mind
A glimpse into the minds behind the camera, stories from filmmakers, creative journeys, and their reflections on mental health.
A message from the Founder and Festival Director
I am proud to welcome you to the third edition of the Multicultural Mental Health Film Festival, presented by the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA).
What began in 2023 as an intimate screening at the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) offices has evolved into a bold, international celebration of diverse storytelling. Since its launch, the Multicultural Mental Health Film Festival has drawn over 150 attendees over the past two years, with audiences participating both in person and online. In just three years, we’ve received more than 145 film submissions from over 25 countries, screened 31 powerful short films, and created a space where mental health and multicultural voices come together on screen.
This growth wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of many, particularly Festival Producer Ramin Iranfar, who has been with me from the beginning, first as a judge and now as a core creative partner. I also want to express my gratitude to Nithya Viswanathan, Vy Nguyen, Linh Nguyen, Wendy Lin, Vasan Srinivasan, and Jim Goodin at MHFA for their unwavering support, dedication, and hard work in bringing this vision to life.
To our filmmakers, audiences, and mental health advocates, both past and present, thank you. Let’s continue sharing the stories that matter—stories that honour culture, challenge stigma, foster empathy, and advocate for better mental health for all through the power of film.
With an even more ambitious program planned for 2025, we’re proud to grow this festival into a vital space where culture and mental health meet on screen—and beyond. We look forward to welcoming you this October as we continue to celebrate powerful stories that speak across cultures and experiences.
Thank you,
Matthew Keisoglu
Founder & Festival Director
Multicultural Mental Health Film Festival
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