Some film festivals focus on cinema itself. Others use film as a starting point for conversations about the world we live in and the experiences we share. Go Mental! International Mental Health Film Festival in Berlin belongs to the latter. Between May 22–25, 2026, Łukasz Kamil Kamiński represented Mówmi Studio at the 6th edition of the festival, where “There Once Was – There Is No More – There Is” received an Honorable Mention from the festival jury. Produced by Mówmi Studio and co-directed by Karina Paciorkowska and Łukasz Kamil Kamiński, the film’s selection and recognition at the festival highlight both its artistic value and the universal relevance of its message. The award also contributes to the growing international visibility of Polish filmmakers and their work.
Cinema and Mental Health: A Story About…
Berlin remains one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural and cinematic hubs, a city where artistic exchange, collaboration, and new ideas constantly intersect. It is also a place that welcomes socially engaged cinema and interdisciplinary projects that bring together art, education, and public dialogue. This year’s Go Mental! International Mental Health Film Festival took place at ACUD Kino, part of the ACUD Arts and Culture Center in Berlin. The festival brought together filmmakers, researchers, mental health professionals, and audiences interested in the role cinema can play in encouraging understanding, empathy, and social change. In 2026, only 15 films were selected from more than 200 submissions representing 47 countries worldwide. As a niche, industry-focused festival, being part of the official selection was already a meaningful achievement in itself.
Go Mental! focuses on films exploring a wide range of mental health experiences, including emotional crises, recovery journeys, personal resilience, social relationships, and the realities faced by people living with mental health challenges. Alongside screenings, the festival hosted discussions, filmmaker Q&As, and expert panels that encouraged deeper reflection on both the artistic and social dimensions of the featured works. An equally valuable part of the experience was participating in the festival’s professional networking events, which created opportunities for exchange among creators working at the intersection of art, science, education, and mental health advocacy. For Mówmi Studio, these conversations offered a chance to connect with international artists and organizations interested in the social impact of storytelling and film.
A Story About Loss, Memory, and What Remains
“There Once Was – There Is No More – There Is” was produced by the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw and is based on a story by Katarzyna Jackowska-Enemuo. The film follows 12-year-old Krysia as she journeys through places, memories, and stories while coming to terms with loss, remembrance, and the passage of time. Created primarily for children aged 10–12, the film explores complex themes through a perspective that is both accessible and emotionally honest. This makes its recognition at Go Mental! particularly meaningful. While originally intended for younger audiences, the film resonated strongly with viewers of all ages, and its universal message was warmly received by the festival’s jury, organizers, and audiences alike.
The distinction is especially remarkable given that There Once Was – There Is No More – There Is was the only non-fiction film to receive an award at this year’s festival. In a programme largely dominated by narrative cinema, the film stood out through its unique visual language, emotional depth, and sensitive approach to themes of memory, grief, and resilience. At the same time, the film introduces international audiences to aspects of Polish cultural memory, drawing on experiences connected to World War II and the shared Polish-Jewish heritage. In this way, it becomes more than an artistic work—it becomes a space for dialogue about history, identity, memory, and belonging across cultural boundaries.
Recognition for an Important Conversation
According to members of the festival team and jury, the film made a strong impression and was recognized as a meaningful contribution to ongoing conversations around mental health and the reduction of stigma through cinema. Particularly significant was the way the film approaches themes of loss, grief, memory, and change for younger audiences. Rather than simplifying difficult emotions, it invites viewers to engage with them thoughtfully and compassionately, combining artistic quality with a message that feels both timely and deeply human.
The recognition in Berlin marks another milestone in the film’s international journey. “There Once Was – There Is No More – There Is” has previously been screened at numerous international festivals, including the Warsaw Film Festival, the Polish Film Festival in Gdynia, Zlín Film Festival, Miami Jewish Film Festival and Animafest Zagreb. To date, the film has received 12 awards and distinctions across five continents, reaching audiences from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and communities around the world.
Supported by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute
Łukasz Kamiński’s participation in the festival was supported by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute of Poland through its “Polish Culture Around the World” programme. This support made it possible to take part not only in the festival screenings but also in the accompanying industry events and networking opportunities in Berlin. Initiatives like these play an important role in strengthening the international presence of Polish culture and creating new opportunities for artistic collaboration across borders.
Photograph by – Marie Eleonore Richter / Go Mental! International Mental Health Film Festival (Berlin, May 2026)