UnLonely Film Festival
About The UnLonely Film Festival
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.
The UnLonely Film Festival, 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 Festival 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.
Â
Diversity and Inclusion Focus
We use a diversity and inclusion lens in curation. The films focus especially on groups that are disproportionately at risk for loneliness and isolation, such as caregivers, older adults, those dealing with substance abuse, those with a major illness, military veterans, college campuses, and minority populations (including LGBTQ and immigrants). Drawing upon the time-tested impact of creative arts, these filmmakers take us on a journey and share stories that connect us.
Easily Accessible Year-Round
We stream the films from the festival continuously on the unlonelyfilms.org platform. As audiences explore the various perspectives of loneliness and isolation, our broader goal is to address its root causes by encouraging community outreach, collaboration, and creative expression.

About Project UnLonely
In response to the growing public health concern of social isolation and loneliness, the Foundation for Art & Healing launched Project UnLonely in 2016. This signature initiative is focused on creating awareness of how prevalent the issue is, helping to reduce the stigma associated with it, and offering creative solutions for connecting with others.Â
One of our most popular channels for doing this is our annual UnLonely Film Festival. With over 100 films available for free viewing year-round, we help the public empathize with themselves and others by sharing diverse perspectives and situations. Through these resonant, evocative videos we are able to raise awareness of loneliness, increase understanding of the challenges it presents, and remind viewers that they are not alone.
Â

Stay Connected
Project UnLonely promotes opportunities for connection using creativity and the arts. To stay in the loop, sign up for the free Film Club, and every Friday you’ll get our Featured Film delivered right to your inbox. We’d love to stay in touch!
Sponsor Season 7
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.