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Focus on Fests

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film & idea fests
Mental Health – Disability – Autism – Unsheltered

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FILMS

IDEAS

TIPS

Focus on Impact

Education & Awareness

Community Building

Skill & Idea Development

Communication Skills

Resource Direction

Evidence-Based Modalities

Focus on Content

Engaging Films & Media

Connective Performances

Expert Panel Discussions

Transformative Art

These one-of-a-kind events encompass creative expression, multi-media, story-telling, live performance and technology to create a vibrant community with no stigma. Focus on Fests is an interactive community event aiming to increase awareness and decrease stigma through edutainment, celebration and advocacy. With an incredible program of interactive content from around the world and right here in Salt Lake City. Including youth and all ages programs.

Mental Health - Developmental - Recovery - Disability - Suicide Prevention

Films – Performance – Panels

May 1st to 4th 2025

Fit2Recover – Marmalade Library – Edison House

How to get involved?

Program schedule coming soon!

Submit Ideas
Perform
Watch Past Films
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Absent of Me

"Absent of Me" is a short documentary that offers a look into the lives of nine individuals across 5 U.S. states and 3 countries who live with a little-known mental health condition known as depersonalization disorder. 

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Alpha House

Addiction and mental health go hand in hand. our documentary shorts  deal with addiction and mental health. Alpha House has helped may men stay clean and build their lives back up and no one knows this more than Andrew McLeod. 

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The Lost Boys

The Lost Boys is a 2024 short film written, directed, and produced by Bryan young. It tells the story of a young man haunted by the events of his past and has a fateful visit to his local cemetery. 

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Waiting for Zorro

Hidden within the confines of family homes, the parents of children with severe additional support needs dream of finding a long-term place or assistance from services that can welcome and support their loved ones. 

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The Razor's Edge

Highlights the daily struggles faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty, and the many respected organizations in Michigan, Florida, and Washington D.C. that provide essential support services, such as food, shelter, housing, and comprehensive assistance to those in need. 

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Art is the Culture

Explores the store of its creator Rich Simmons, from art therapy, to an art career, and back to art therapy. This inspiring story explains the thoughts, emotions, and passions that went into creating this creative movement. 

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Louie's Shoes

Louis, 8 and a half years old, is autistic. he arrives at his new school and is about to introduce himself. 

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Inside Our Autistic Minds

Featuring the creative talents of autistic adults and how they communicate to enhance their community and those closest to them. 

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Disability in Focus

Disability In Focus is a documentary short that offers an intimate look into how portrait photography tells the stories of individuals with disabilities. 

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David Again

The story of David Dennis, his road to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, and his lifelong friendship with actor Jon Cryer. It is a story about redemption, the power of friendship, and the promise that it is never too late to ask for help. 

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The Feast

It's just another (excruciating) meal for Vienna - until an offer to conquer her greatest fear in '3 simple steps' arrives. Desperate for freedom from her fear of eating, Vienna takes the offer up - only to realize she bit off far more than she can chew. 

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promise

A short experimental dance film exploring the intersection of prescription opioid abuse and grief. 

Why Focus on Fests?

Our film events offer a unique blend of education, creativity, and community impact designed to inspire and empower.

Enjoy powerful advocacy films—narrative, documentary, and experimental—many featuring exclusive premieres. Take part by sharing your story, screening your film, or showcasing your art. Together, we’re building stronger, more connected communities.

Focus on Fridays

But the topics explored with Focus on Fests don’t just happen once a year in real life! So join us on the first Friday of each month for a special lunch and learn mini showcase film and interview.

Check out the Feel Reels page for past episodes.

Presenting sponsors

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Focus on Fests is a Mental Healthy F.i.T. Program

Find out about our innovative education and awareness programs below.

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