Art With Impact Blog


‘Extra Innings’ Highlights Mental Health Awareness, 1960s style

Fri, 05/10/2013 - 11:43am | by Gayle

The 1960s were a simpler time, weren’t they?

A simpler, less sexually attractive time.


New Film Investigates the U.S. Government’s Treatment of Whistleblowers

Mon, 05/06/2013 - 12:47pm | by Gayle

Like it or not, the world needs whistleblowers.

(Cher not required, but encouraged.)

From Karen Silkwood of plutonium plant fame to Sherron Watkins of Enron, whistleblowers are the brave souls among us who risk their careers (and sometimes their lives) to bring the wrongdoing of large organizations to light. Which begs the question: how do those large organizations react to being tattled on?

(Hint: NOT VERY WELL.)


Catherine Zeta-Jones Openly Seeks Treatment for Bipolar II Disorder, Hopes To Lessen Stigma of Mental Illness

Thu, 05/02/2013 - 9:14am | by Gayle

What comes to mind when you hear the name ‘Catherine Zeta-Jones’?

I know, me too.

The career actress, model, and spokeswoman (and wife of some random guy named Michael Douglas) made headlines this week in a way that few actresses do: she issued a statement announcing that she was entering a mental health facility for treatment of her bipolar disorder.


High School Senior Emma Spiekerman Wins May 2013 Short Film Contest

Wed, 05/01/2013 - 3:03pm | by Cary

Art With Impact is proud to announce the May 2013 winner of its monthly Short Film Contest on mental health. Emma Spiekerman, from Santa Rosa California, has won this month's contest with her film MORE THAN A MENTAL ILLNESS.


Filipino Entertainer G. Tongi Advocates for Reproductive Health in Recently Released Indie Film

Mon, 04/29/2013 - 9:05am | by Gayle

If you’re not familiar with Filipino celebrities, you may have never heard of G. (Giselle) Tongi – even though she’s spent years in the U.S. with several American credits to her name.  And if you’ve ever seen her, you might agree that Tongi is perhaps the perfect person to bring the issue to reproductive health to the forefront.

WHAT WAS THAT YOU WERE SAYING ABOUT REPRODUCTION BECAUSE I’M LISTENING.


Delaney Ruston Explores the Issue of Global Mental Health in ‘Hidden Pictures’

Thu, 04/25/2013 - 8:59am | by Gayle

It can be a confusing and eye-opening experience to learn how people in other parts of the world handle certain situations.

Indeed, ordering food at an overseas McDonald’s is one of the most disorienting events of any modern person’s life.

Unfortunately, however, the stigma of mental illness seems to translate perfectly across borders, as Delaney Ruston discovers in her new documentary, Hidden Pictures.


‘American Heart’ Documents the Experience of Ailing Refugees in the U.S.

Mon, 04/22/2013 - 10:14am | by Gayle

When you’ve managed to survive some of life’s most traumatic challenges, it seems ironic to have to fight your biggest battle in the sterile confines of a hospital.

And I’m not even talking about the food.


French Filmmaker Explores the Effect of Mental Illness on Family in Controversial Short Film

Thu, 04/18/2013 - 11:49am | by Gayle

As the saying goes, it’s all in the timing.

And as a Google image search for “it’s all in the timing” goes, photos of fried chicken are among the first results (???).


Montreal-Based Cinema Politica Steadily Increases Its Reach

Tue, 04/16/2013 - 9:20am | by Gayle

Do you think a film has the power to change hearts and minds?

I mean, OBVIOUSLY.


The 17th Annual PRISM Awards Will Celebrate Cinema’s Best Depictions of Mental Health Issues and Substance Abuse

Fri, 04/12/2013 - 8:10am | by Gayle

Some people believe that—in this modern era of pervasive media and the obsession with celebrity culture—awards shows are less about celebrating the craft and more about politics, fame, and all things over-the-top.

I have no idea what those people are talking about.

But sometimes Hollywood definitely gets it right, and there’s no better example of this than the annual PRISM Awards.