#USA #New York #mental health #Community Access #Changing Minds

Changing Minds Premieres on Major Streaming Platforms

Community Access is excited to announce that the streaming premiere of 'Changing Minds' will debut on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Google Play starting November 24, 2025. This special release not only marks the 10th anniversary of the Changing Minds Young Filmmaker Festival but also showcases ten award-winning short films that have historically been part of the festival. This initiative is complemented by an exclusive panel discussion featuring notable figures such as Laurie M. Tisch, actor and director John Turturro, Cal Hedigan, and emerging filmmakers Kendra Brown, Denise Chan, and Morgan Smartt. Together, they will discuss the vital role storytelling plays in dismantling stigma and creating empathy around mental health issues.

A Look Back at Changing Minds Festival

Launched in 2015 by Community Access, a leader in affordable housing and mental health services, the Changing Minds initiative celebrates the creativity and drive of young filmmakers between the ages of 15–25. These talented young artists use their films to generate open discussions about mental health, tackling subjects like anxiety, depression, identity, and recovery. The festival and its works illustrate that every experience is valid and healing can begin when voices are heard.

Mental health concerns are more relevant now than ever, especially among young adults, with around one-third facing these issues and nearly 3.8 million experiencing serious suicidal thoughts according to the former U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy. Highlighting mental health awareness through films nurtures an environment for open dialogue, which is crucial in combating stigma and provides a pathway for necessary support.

Expanding Outreach Through Streaming Platforms

By launching these award-winning films on major streaming platforms, Changing Minds aspires to broaden its reach and elevate young voices, significantly shifting public attitudes toward hope and understanding in mental health. As described by Cal Hedigan, CEO of Community Access, “Art can transform how we see mental health.”

The ongoing success and relevance of Changing Minds lie in its authenticity and youth-driven narrative, providing a platform for the younger generation to engage in meaningful discussions about mental health stigma and recovery. “We are thrilled to support the streaming premiere of Changing Minds,” stated Laurie Tisch, founder of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund. By sharing their lived experiences through film, young filmmakers possess the ability to foster empathy and understanding, underscoring the significance of respecting and valuing youth perspectives.

The Pixley Hill Foundation has also voiced its support for Changing Minds, emphasizing how empowering young filmmakers can spark important conversations that communities urgently need. They stated that the films serve to challenge misconceptions, swap stigma for compassion, and create dialogue opportunities between families and communities.

This streaming event has been made possible due to generous sponsorship from the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, The Pixley Hill Foundation, and the Isora Foundation. These organizations are committed to enhancing mental health support while employing the arts as a medium for healing and understanding.

Join the Movement

The Changing Minds film festival represents more than just a showcase of creativity; it is a movement toward reshaping narratives surrounding mental health. For further information and updates, visit www.changingmindsfilmfestival.org. Join us for this vital conversation and experience how storytelling can ignite change across communities.