PRESS CENTRE
WELLNESS FILM FESTIVAL LAUNCHES IN LOS ANGELES, EXTENDING WORLD HEALTH DAY CONVERSATIONS TO GLOBAL SCREEN INDUSTRY
Inaugural May 2–3 edition offers filmmakers, founders, and creative leaders a retreat-style platform blending screenings, wellness, and global networking – at a pivotal moment for the creative industries.
WELLFF 2026 convenes 20+ international filmmakers and high-profile creatives in Los Angeles to address escalating industry burnout, pioneer sustainable storytelling practices, and shape the future of global screen culture – a rare opportunity for press, partners, and investors to engage with this innovative platform.
Following World Health Day on April 7, the Wellness Film Festival extends global conversations on mental health, resilience, and creative sustainability in the screen industries. The inaugural Los Angeles edition offers filmmakers, founders, and industry leaders a platform to pause, reflect, and recharge while engaging with high-quality storytelling, directly responding to mounting industry pressures and rising burnout. The festival will bring together over 20 filmmakers from across the globe including co-executive producer Brandi Harvey (Sistahs Getting Well), reinforcing WELLFF’s growing international footprint and positioning it as a benchmark for innovation in creative wellbeing and storytelling. Speaking ahead of her appearance at the festival, Ms. Harvey said “I’m excited to join the conversation and community”. The festival’s partnership with KINN – formalised following the Sundance Film Festival – positions the venue as WELLFF’s long-term Los Angeles home, with further international editions planned across Europe and Australia. “This is not a traditional film festival,” said Anyiam-Osigwe. “WELLFF meets a critical moment for the screen industry – providing space for reflection, emotional clarity, and sustainable creative practice amid rising pressures and burnout.” For industry leaders, creatives, and cultural institutions, WELLFF offers a rare intersection of global storytelling, wellness, and high-calibre networking, arriving at a moment when World Health Day is prompting the industry to rethink sustainable creative work, providing a platform to experience and contribute to this innovative approach. Ahead of May’s showpiece, organisers of the Cool Event Awards announced the nomination of WELLFF in the category of Events Organisers Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing. This follows last Autumn’s launch summit held in Central London during the 20th anniversary of the British Urban Film Festival. The Wellness Film Festival is presented in association with
Executive Highlights
- Dates & Venue: May 2–3, 2026 at KINN Venice, Los Angeles
- International Participation: 20+ filmmakers from Italy, Sweden, Spain, Germany, Jamaica, Taiwan, USA, and UK
- Programme Highlights:
- Dream A World (Featuring Tiffany Haddish and Ringo Starr)
- Cycles of Change (from BAFTA-winning filmmaker Emma Lazenby)
- Sistahs Getting Well (co-executive produced by Brandi Harvey)
- Festival Format: Retreat-style blend of curated screenings, wellness practices, moderated discussions, and international networking
- Founding & Leadership: Led by Clare Anyiam-Osigwe and built on the legacy of the British Urban Film Festival
- Octavia Goredema – Author-to-Author conversation on storytelling, leadership, and personal narrative
- Laurens Grant – Festival Moderator guiding key discussions across film and wellbeing
- Elaine Lee – Cultural conversation on ritual, hospitality, and mindful consumption
- David Lee – Health leadership perspective on longevity and preventative wellbeing
- Amanda Mazarov – Immersive sound bath healing and Yin yoga restorative sessions
- Alex Franklyn, BSc. Dip SW – WELLFF in-house mental health expert
Following World Health Day on April 7, the Wellness Film Festival extends global conversations on mental health, resilience, and creative sustainability in the screen industries. The inaugural Los Angeles edition offers filmmakers, founders, and industry leaders a platform to pause, reflect, and recharge while engaging with high-quality storytelling, directly responding to mounting industry pressures and rising burnout. The festival will bring together over 20 filmmakers from across the globe including co-executive producer Brandi Harvey (Sistahs Getting Well), reinforcing WELLFF’s growing international footprint and positioning it as a benchmark for innovation in creative wellbeing and storytelling. Speaking ahead of her appearance at the festival, Ms. Harvey said “I’m excited to join the conversation and community”. The festival’s partnership with KINN – formalised following the Sundance Film Festival – positions the venue as WELLFF’s long-term Los Angeles home, with further international editions planned across Europe and Australia. “This is not a traditional film festival,” said Anyiam-Osigwe. “WELLFF meets a critical moment for the screen industry – providing space for reflection, emotional clarity, and sustainable creative practice amid rising pressures and burnout.” For industry leaders, creatives, and cultural institutions, WELLFF offers a rare intersection of global storytelling, wellness, and high-calibre networking, arriving at a moment when World Health Day is prompting the industry to rethink sustainable creative work, providing a platform to experience and contribute to this innovative approach. Ahead of May’s showpiece, organisers of the Cool Event Awards announced the nomination of WELLFF in the category of Events Organisers Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing. This follows last Autumn’s launch summit held in Central London during the 20th anniversary of the British Urban Film Festival. The Wellness Film Festival is presented in association with
EVENT DETAILS
Event: Wellness Film Festival (WELLFF)
Dates: May 2–3, 2026
Venue: KINN Venice, Los Angeles
Founder & Festival Director: Clare Anyiam-Osigwe
PRESS ENQUIRIES
Samina Samroo
info@wellffest.com
