Mental Filmness brings two nights of free films and conversations to Collaboraction October 9–10

Featured image: Festival photo supplied in the Mental Filmness announcement distributed by Block Club Partners.

Mental Filmness returns October 9–10, 2026, with two free evenings of films about mental health at Collaboraction in the Kimball Arts Center, 1757 N. Kimball Ave., Suite 105. Screenings run from 7 to 10 p.m. each night, with filmmaker guests and audience discussion.

The Chicago festival’s announcement describes a program spanning documentary, drama, comedy, animation, musicals, experimental work, science fiction and horror. Its focus is on films that approach mental health through lived experience, with space afterward to talk about what audiences have seen.

This year’s move to Collaboraction brings the festival into the social justice theater company’s space. The dates coincide with World Mental Health Day on October 10, and the organizers say their screenings remain free as part of their effort to make conversations about mental health more accessible.

Filmmaker appearances are part of both evenings. The festival’s website also carries individual film highlights and programming updates for readers who want to plan their visit.

Admission is free. Reserve a place through the festival’s ticket listing, and visit Mental Filmness for the latest program information.