In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the People’s Film Festival’s theme this year will focus on mental health issues as it relates to violence.  “TPFF MENTAL 2025” will showcase narratives that emerge from varying mental health related struggles.  Attendees will engage in discussions surrounding these issues and the realities of violence it often breeds. The goal is to bring awareness to this problem through film, music, tech and art. 

 In partnership with Maysles Cinema, TPFF will host the “MENTAL BLOCK TALKBACK SERIES.” The program will highlight 3 films that attribute to the state of mental health, followed by panel discussions from the audience, filmmakers, the youth, artists, educators and community leaders.  The films that will be screened:

• ON OUR BLOCK, a 28 min documentary directed by Astrid Useche & Chloe Barlow followed by
•  MB TALKBACK PANEL “STATE OF MENTAL HEALTH” 
• The Panelist include: cast members—Jason Bostic & Wesley Jeffreys, Street Corner Resources, (more TBA)

• JOHNNY STORM. a 5 min music video directed by Katie LeCluyse • Tarji J. Irby followed by
• MB TALKBACK PANEL “IT’S IN THE MUSIC” Where Is The Soul Of Music Going—And What’s The Cost Of Losing It?
• The Panelist include: director Tarji J. Irby, music producer Steve Keitt, motivational speaker and rap artist, MajestyDaRebel, Jessica Spaulding of Harlem Chocolate Factory, and  students from the Joseph Gabriel Foundation.  (more TBA)

• DA FLY TRAP a 23 min New Media Social Experiment directed by Prince Smith followed by
• MB TALKBACK PANEL “ARE YOU WOKE???” Mental Health, Street Life, and Waking Up From the Illusion
• The Panelist include: Filmmaker Prince Smith, CannaDiva, (more TBA)

The Mental Block Talkback Series is free.  Light breakfast will be provided by BO’s Bagels.  Registration is required. 

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