What We Are

We are a film festival that showcases films and other art forms for two purposes: to entertain and to educate. By attracting audiences through the entertainment value of film, we use select films and events to increase awareness and education on mental health and addiction issues, as well as other prevalent social topics as decided each year.

How We Educate

Firstly, we attract a very large and diverse audience to our festival with our entertaining film selection and events such as gala receptions, video competitions and art displays. At the festival, attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about mental health, addictions or other social issues through various supporting 'social' events.

The supporting ‘social’ events provide the bulk of the festival’s educational value. Panel discussions either stand alone or are attached to some of our films. Discussions are held with the audience after some of the films. These discussions are often led by a panel of professionals who have some expertise with the topic of the film at hand and they are available to answer questions, share insight and encourage discussions about the film that had just been viewed. At least one workshop is held separate from the films to educate the public, local service providers, or students and families about a specific mental health, addiction or social issue. There is a video competition hosted by Algoma International Films. You can get information on the competition by going to Algoma Films. The video competition is open both in topic and eligibility. Cash prizes are awarded to the top winners in each competition. Literature from the festival partners is displayed in the theatre for additional information and research by audience.

Who We Are

We are a not-for-profit organization that is organized and managed by a collaboration of local partners. All partners contribute by co-hosting events, participating on planning committees, donating employee time and administrative support, and a huge personal contribution is also being made by a significant number of individuals who contribute their personal time to the festival and its events. Our partners are:

• Canadian Mental Health Association
• Centre for Addiction & Mental Health
• Algoma International Films
• Algoma Public Health
• Sault Ste. Marie Focus Coalition
• Algoma Consumer Survivor Network
• Art Gallery of Algoma
• Algoma Family Support Network
• Queer North

Approximately 30 committee volunteers and 60 festival volunteers assist in hosting the Shadows of the Mind Film Festival. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, visit our Volunteers page.