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Believe Psychology
Film Festival May 16-18, 2025
660 N. Heliotrope Dr., Hollywood, CA 90004 Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by attending our psychology-themed film festival. The event is designed to engage audiences through thought-provoking films, art, and psycho-education that explore mental health, human behavior, and psychological themes. Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month
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ABOUT BPFF
A Psychology-themed film festival to educate, entertain, and empower.
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~MORE THAN JUST FILMS~
In-Person Screenings Online Screenings Community Mental Health Resource Fair Continuing Education Course Credit Student Poster Presentation Art Exhibition Network & Chill Opening Night Award Show Dinner Red Carpet Photography Collaborating & Networking Music, snacks, drinks, and giveaways Inclusive welcoming environment |
Our Journey So Far
2019: Partnered with FilmFreeway to bring you the inaurgual Film Festival!!
2020: Believe Psychology Film Festival launches, introducing a platform dedicated to exploring psychological themes through cinema. Due to COVID-related closures, transitioned to an online format in response to the global pandemic, continuing to connect audiences virtually.
2021: Debuted the highly anticipated Screenplay Contest
2022: Hosted the first in-person event. Partnered with Oxygen Entertainment as the online screening platform.
2023: Achieved significant milestones, including tripling in size, earning the LA City Department of Mental Health’s "LA Take Action" Initiative Grant, and introducing new features like the Resource Fair and Student Presentations.
2024: Officially recognized as an IMDb-approved festival, establishing its presence in the industry. Proudly transitioned to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, solidifying its mission to educate, entertain, and empower communities through the power of cinema and psychology! In addition, became a Continuing Education (CE) provider for master’s and doctoral-level mental health professionals!
2025: Added events to include the captivating Art Exhibition, celebrating the intersection of psychology, storytelling, and visual arts!
Over the Past 6 Years:
From a small launch to an industry-recognized event, the festival has rapidly grown in reach, size, and impact, becoming a vital part of the mental health and film community.
2019: Partnered with FilmFreeway to bring you the inaurgual Film Festival!!
2020: Believe Psychology Film Festival launches, introducing a platform dedicated to exploring psychological themes through cinema. Due to COVID-related closures, transitioned to an online format in response to the global pandemic, continuing to connect audiences virtually.
2021: Debuted the highly anticipated Screenplay Contest
2022: Hosted the first in-person event. Partnered with Oxygen Entertainment as the online screening platform.
2023: Achieved significant milestones, including tripling in size, earning the LA City Department of Mental Health’s "LA Take Action" Initiative Grant, and introducing new features like the Resource Fair and Student Presentations.
2024: Officially recognized as an IMDb-approved festival, establishing its presence in the industry. Proudly transitioned to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, solidifying its mission to educate, entertain, and empower communities through the power of cinema and psychology! In addition, became a Continuing Education (CE) provider for master’s and doctoral-level mental health professionals!
2025: Added events to include the captivating Art Exhibition, celebrating the intersection of psychology, storytelling, and visual arts!
Over the Past 6 Years:
From a small launch to an industry-recognized event, the festival has rapidly grown in reach, size, and impact, becoming a vital part of the mental health and film community.
What makes us Unique?
Key Features of a Psychology-Themed Film Festival:
- Curated Film Selections:
- The films featured at these festivals are carefully chosen for their relevance to psychological themes. This can include a range of genres, such as documentaries, dramas, thrillers, and even comedies, as long as they offer significant psychological insight.
- Topics might include mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and trauma, but also broader subjects like identity, memory, cognition, social dynamics, and personality.
- Educational and Therapeutic Focus:
- These festivals often go beyond mere entertainment. They can serve as educational tools, providing audiences with a deeper understanding of psychological concepts.
- Some festivals may include workshops, panels, or discussions with mental health professionals, filmmakers, or academics, offering a more immersive experience where participants can learn, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
- Community Building:
- A psychology-themed film festival can also foster a sense of community among attendees who share an interest in mental health and psychology. This can be particularly valuable for those working in the field of mental health, students, or individuals dealing with psychological issues, as it provides a space for connection and support.
- These festivals may also promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage conversations about psychological wellbeing.
- Artistic and Emotional Exploration:
- Films are a powerful medium for expressing complex emotions and ideas, making them ideal for exploring psychological themes. Through storytelling, cinematography, and character development, films can portray the nuanced experiences of individuals, making abstract psychological concepts more tangible and relatable.
- This artistic exploration allows viewers to experience and reflect on different psychological states and behaviors in a safe and controlled environment.
- Interdisciplinary Approach:
- Psychology-themed film festivals often draw on interdisciplinary insights, blending psychology with the arts, sociology, neuroscience, and other fields to provide a holistic view of the human experience.
- This approach can help to illuminate how psychological issues intersect with other aspects of life, such as culture, politics, and ethics.
- Filmmakers: Directors, writers, and producers interested in exploring psychological themes through their work may also participate, sometimes even presenting their films or participating in panel discussions.
- Mental Health Professionals: Psychologists, therapists, counselors, and social workers might attend to gain new perspectives and insights, as well as to network with colleagues.
- Students and Academics: Those studying psychology, film, or related fields may attend to enhance their learning and engage in discussions that bridge theory and practice.
- General Audiences: Anyone with an interest in psychology, mental health, or simply thought-provoking cinema may find these festivals enriching and enjoyable.
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Meet the FounderDr. Tamika Damond, PhD, is the visionary behind the Believe Psychology Film Festival, where powerful storytelling meets the human spirit. With a passion for multicultural community clinical psychology, she brings a unique perspective to the intersection of mental health and artistic expression, creating a platform for filmmakers to share stories that inspire resilience, connection, and healing.
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