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March 15, 2025
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
GBH Studios, 1 Guest Street, Boston
Each year, Vinfen uses the power of film to raise awareness, foster important dialogue, and fight against the discrimination and stigma so often faced by people with mental health conditions and disabilities.
On Saturday, March 15, Vinfen's signature event returns to GBH Studios in Brighton, featuring screenings of feature-length and short films, as well as panel discussions with filmmakers, human services professionals, and individuals with lived experience. Following the films, festival guests can mix and mingle at an evening reception.
Films
- Gary Gulman: The Great Depresh (Feature Film)
Massachusetts-born comedian Gary Gulman offers candid reflections on his struggles with depression, interspersing stand-up comedy and documentary interludes that provide insight into his mental health journey.
*See the Great Depresh Trailer - Being Michelle (Feature Film)
An award-winning feature-length documentary film about a deaf woman living with autism and mental health challenges who survived incarceration and abuse, and who now uses her artwork to depict the trauma she survived and heal from her past.
*See the Being Michelle Trailer - The Ride Ahead (Feature Film)
Like many 21-year-olds, Samuel Habib wants to date, leave home, and go to college. But he drives a 350-pound wheelchair, uses a communication device, and can have a seizure at any moment. Determined to find his path forward, he seeks out guidance from America's most rebellious disability activists. Will they empower him to launch the bold adult life he craves?
*See the Ride Ahead Trailer - Roads to Recovery (Short Film)
Substance use disorder is embedded in nearly every New England community. Roads to Recovery - Overdose and Brain Injury looks at one of the lesser-known effects of overdose - anoxic brain injury. Through the personal stories of survivors of overdose, the film looks at what happens to the brain during and after an event and how it can affect treatment and recovery. - Vince: The Punctual Vagrant (Short Film)
Sarah Falkiner's short drama offers a raw exploration of urban homelessness through the lens of Vince (Mike Green) and his makeshift family of fellow homeless individuals, George (Arch Harmon) and Cindy (Adria Dawn). The narrative delves into their daily struggles, highlighting the lack of societal support and respect they receive and the barriers they face in living with mental health challenges and addiction.
*See the Vince Trailer - Jelly Brain (Short Film)
Following a devastating traumatic brain injury, Debra was thrown into a new twisted reality she did not understand. Through the unwavering love of her family, Debra will attempt to accept the implications of her injury, search for hope and unearth a new her as a person and a mother.
As a new addition this year, we will have ASL and deaf signers throughout the duration of the event. The films will continue to be closed captioned.
Seating is limited, please consider purchasing early.
Complimentary refreshments (popcorn, water) and lunch options will be offered.
Free parking (validated on site at GBH) will be available at the Guest Street Garage (15 Guest St., Boston) ONLY.
Additional event details TBA, including panel line-ups, and more. Please note: schedule and panel participants subject to change.
