We are now accepting submissions for short films that explore lived experiences of mental health for a film screening night. The event, Phenomenology, will take place on 23rd May 2024, 7 pm - 10 pm, at BLOC (Queen Mary University London) in East London.

The Opportunity

“Phenomenology is the philosophical study of objectivity and reality (more generally) as subjectively lived and experienced.

It seeks to investigate the universal features of consciousness while avoiding assumptions about the external world, aiming to describe phenomena as they appear to the subject, and to explore the meaning and significance of the lived experiences.“ (Sokolowski, Robert (1999). Introduction to Phenomenology. Cambridge University Press.)

What do we mean by lived experience? Can lived experience be thought of in a different way, perhaps as a form of alternative intelligence? What if we considered our lived experiences not just as something that is often the result of distress or illness but as unique insights and knowledge that enable us to show others what it means to feel how we feel and live how we live?

As part of Creativity & Wellbeing Week, we will be hosting a film screening night of up to 10 short films that explore lived experiences of mental health. This event is part of our commitment to supporting artists who are exploring lived experience in their work, prompting dialogues around physical and mental health and how the arts can help us both serve as a form of individual creative expression and better understand the lives of others.

If you are an artist/creative who has an existing short film meeting the criteria below, you can now submit your short film for screening.

• The deadline is 21st March @ 5pm. We are not able to accept applications after this.
• We will notify you whether your application is successful or not by 19th April.
• Successful applicants will receive a remuneration of £75, provided that they meet the eligibility criteria. Payment will be made promptly after the screening event and after the receipt of an invoice.
• As a small project-funded organisation, we are not able to provide feedback for unsuccessful applicants.
  
  

Eligibility

In order to submit your film, please note the following criteria:

• You must be based in the UK;
• You have created a short film - no more than 7 minutes including all credits - exploring lived experience of mental health. This can be your own experience or those of friends/family/others.
• We are not asking you to create a new film but to submit an existing film;
• You must own the copyright to your film or have obtained licenses to use any footage that is not your own;
• You must be able to send us a high-quality version of the film and consent to the film being screened at our event (details above).
• You have a UK-based bank to receive a remuneration of £75 for successful applicants and are responsible for your own tax/national insurance contributions.