The Au Contraire Film Festival on Mental Health offers up 100% free digital films and shorts from October 5 – 23

If the ongoing pandemic and this recent second lockdown are taking a toll, the Au Contraire Film Festival on Mental Health might help. The 8th annual Montreal film festival is moving entirely online for this year’s edition, offering up 100% free screenings of feature films and shorts from October 5-23 (including Mental Illness Awareness Week, from October 4-10).

The festival’s goal is to erase the stigma surrounding mental illness, a vital and necessary objective, especially given how isolated many people are during this turbulent time.

This year’s lineup features twenty films from nine countries (subtitled in English/French), including Pedro Pires’ acclaimed documentary Alexandre le Fou, Issa Ibrahim’s musical comedy Patient’s Rites, and a large selection of short films, including a wide variety of animated shorts.

All films are available to stream for free via the festival’s official site; simply sign up for a free account and enjoy the films! In the meantime, check out some trailers for this year’s titles below.

The Au Contraire Film Festival on Mental Health runs from October 5-23.