We also just added the short film Saisha, directed by the young filmmaker Bhumi Patel and displaying wisdom beyond her years, to Shorts Block No. 4 (Youth In Mental Health).
This film is about a couple of very important things, cultural and intergenerational barriers about mental health diagnoses. Most especially, it’s about youth being able to exercise agency over their own mental health, an overlooked topic which is refreshing to see on screen. I felt a very genuine connection to the main character Saisha, a young Indian-American college student who tries to hide her mental illness from her parents while finding solace in the strength she draws from karate and her mentor there. The vulnerable lead performance by Joyitha Mandal really drew me in. The choice not to show Saisha’s parents in the film and to portray this as her own inner struggle was one I found to be powerful and effective, speaking volumes in what is unseen and unheard.
You can now watch Saisha for FREE in Shorts Block No. 4, the special Youth In Mental Health shorts block! We love and champion the voice of youth in mental health. Vote on each short and let us know what YOU think!
Saisha | Shorts Block No. 4 – Youth In Mental Health | Mental Filmness 2025 Virtual Festival
