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.

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.