You may have thought to yourself watching a couple of the shorts in the virtual festival, “this seems like an ad/television social spot.” That’s probably because, it was! We have received these since the beginning of Mental Filmness, and that’s totally fair, because they are typically artful enough to qualify as a short film. In fact, one of our jurors this year even said at one point, “I love these mental health social spots!”
Yes, after a long time watching a lot of heavy stuff, the social spots often serve as a welcome break, as real-life commercials do. But also like the best commercials, they condense a powerful message into a limited runtime that leaves a lasting emotional impact.
The Austrian social spot Doubts features a high production value and three tense situations where protagonists must free themselves from external tension. The music, sound design, editing, and pressure all build toward a release and freedom that is visceral. It ends with such an appropriate quote for what came before it:”In a society that profits from your self doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act.” It’s so appropriate, in fact, that it’s one of the few times I recall not hating an inspirational quote at the end of something like this.
iMind is an advertisement for a Malawi crisis line. I feel like some of the imagery is culturally unique, as well as the break into music and poetry that leaves a hopeful note toward the end. The image of being stifled by plastic sheeting when experiencing depression is probably relatable to anyone. It’s always fascinating to see different representations of mental illness from around the world and it’s fascinating that Malawi has a crisis line staffed with volunteers who have experienced mental illness ready to help.
These two social spots were both placed the same way a traditional commercial would be placed, as little breaks in Shorts Block No. 3. Hopefully they serve their purpose there as short interstitials that provide a little break but also encourage the audience to think and feel about mental health and helpful resources. I would be remiss not to mention them and to not encourage these submissions to keep on coming!
Watch these social spots in Shorts Block No. 3 of the virtual festival: https://watch.eventive.org/mentalfilmness2023/play/6516463d496d90009540a4d4/6508c20bb0394e002c4f74c6?m=1
