About RMHFFest

Iași, 5–9 May 2027

The first concrete discussions about Romanian Mental Health Film Festival emerged in 2021, when it was still uncertain whether an edition with an audience would be possible. In February 2022, three months before the festival’s first edition, an even harder phase of the war in Ukraine began. These are just two examples from a very long list of complicated events, with all sorts of consequences for individuals, communities, projects, and plans.

Difficult moments follow one another at a dizzying speed, and the need to receive answers, clarifications, solutions, and comfort is increasingly evident. We cannot promise that this festival has the power to meet such deep needs. But we believe that, for a few hours — whether you are watching a film, attending a dialogue, a class, or a party — your attention is channeled in your own interest, at a more human pace, where you have time to follow a thought to its end, to feel, and to experience the increasingly rare experience of being physically alongside other people.

Romanian Mental Health Film Festival is Romania’s first film festival dedicated to mental health. We build accessible contexts to discuss the importance of mental health for individuals and communities, as we believe that films can spark such conversations. We want the festival to offer a space where you can reflect on emotional aspects, gain a broader perspective on the complexity of human dynamics, and develop a higher level of tolerance towards sensitive topics.

The project was initiated by Raluca Bejenariu and Teodora Popescu, co-founders of the În Dialog Association, and visual artist Dan Basu.