Project UnLonely Films
Loneliness and isolation are among today’s most urgent public health crises. Over one-third of adults report significantly feeling this way, and research shows it can lead to a 30% increased risk of early death—on par with smoking 15 cigarettes per day! What’s more, other mental health-related issues can result from these feelings, such as depression, suicide, and substance abuse.
Project UnLonely Films, now in its seventh season, selects 35–40 films that explore themes of loneliness, connection, and belonging from diverse perspectives.
Filmmakers submit their original films from October–February each year, and winners are selected in March. A Launch Event takes place each June, where arts, medical, and public policy luminaries join us as we screen the winning films and present awards to the filmmakers.
Watch the Season 7 Launch Event!
Project UnLonely Films Advocates
Mike Paseornek
Co-host and Judge: Past President of Production for Lionsgate Motion Picture Group
Steve Buscemi
Co-host: Award Winning Actor & Director
Jeremy Nobel, md, mph
Co-host: Founder of Project UnLonely
Dr. Michelle a. williams
Special Guest: Former Dean, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
A Commitment to Films That Make You Think
In a recent spotlight by Next Avenue, we get an up-close look at seasoned film industry veteran, Mike Paseornek, and his involvement with our Project UnLonely Films! Having served as an executive producer at Lionsgate Films, Paseornek’s portfolio includes blockbuster hits such as “The Hunger Games,” “American Psycho,” and “La La Land.” But it’s not just his professional expertise he brings to Project UnLonely Films—it’s also a deeply personal connection.
Paseornek’s relationship with The Foundation for Art & Healing began when we featured his daughter Steffanie, a heart transplant recipient, in our short video, “Can Art Be Medicine?” Seeing firsthand the healing power of creative expression in Steffanie’s journey deeply touched Paseornek and motivated him to support Project UnLonely Films.
When judging for Project UnLonely Films, he’s on the lookout for stories that tug at the heartstrings, not just the ones with high-end production. This approach underscores Project UnLonely Films’ mission—to spotlight the pervasive issue of loneliness and show how the power of storytelling through film can bring us closer together.
Sponsor Project UnLonely Films
Sponsorship puts you in the forefront of acknowledging and addressing the health impacts of loneliness. Learn more about the benefits and options for sponsors.
Watch Season 7 Films
We invite you to watch, share, and discuss this curated collection of 30 powerful short films as an UnLonely step towards connection.