The Voices With Impact (VWI) Film Library is the heart of Art Opening Minds. With more than 150 short films created by filmmakers from over 15 countries, it offers a global, deeply personal lens on mental health.

But this isn’t just a playlist of internet videos. These are carefully crafted, emotionally resonant films that were created—or selected—with conversation and learning in mind.

Where the Films Come From

Every film in the VWI Film Library entered through one of two paths:

1. International Short Film Competitions - We hosted open calls for filmmakers around the world to share their stories around specific mental health themes.
2. The Voices With Impact Production Grant Program - Each year, we fund a select group of emerging filmmakers to produce short films exploring underrepresented mental health topics, guided by our team, mentors, and consultation with mental health experts.

Why Film? Why Mental Health?

Mental health doesn’t exist in neat categories. It’s shaped by biology, culture, family, environment, trauma, creativity, neurodiversity—and more. That’s why personal storytelling is such a powerful tool.

Each film offers a lens into one story. Rather than trying to teach a “lesson,” our films give space for nuance, complexity, and emotional truth. Mental health is layered, overlapping, and deeply individual. These films reflect that.

What Sets These Films Apart

Unlike most short films you’d find on YouTube, the VWI Film Library is:

• High quality – Every film is professionally produced and thoughtfully edited
• Mental health–informed – Created with deep sensitivity toward emotional impact and stigma reduction
• Built for conversation – These aren’t “wrap it up in a bow” stories. There’s no “and then they got therapy and everything was fine” moment. Instead, each film opens space for reflection, not closure.
• Exceptionally short – Most are around 5 minutes long. That’s intentional. In an AOM Class, the focus is on what the film stirs up in the viewer.

How the Library Is Used

Instructors use these films as the centerpiece of AOM Classes. Because the films are short, they leaves time for what matters most:

• Participant reactions
• Guided reflection
• Honest conversations

Tips & Notes

• You can explore the VWI Film Library through filters like topic, identities represented, and film style.
• Want a quick entry point? Try a featured Watchlist or start with a film you personally connect with.
• Every film page shows which Classes it’s featured in. So once you find a film you love, you can build a Class around it.