UK-based film showcase Wellness Film Festival (WELFF) has announced its expansion to Los Angeles, USA, with a view to platforming global conversations on mental health, resilience, and creative sustainability in the screen industries.
From the organisers of the BAFTA-winning British Urban Film Festival, WELFF is a community-driven event celebrating the power of cinema to inspire, heal, and promote mental and emotional well-being. Founded by award-winning dermatologist and film director Dr Clare Anyiam-Osigwe BEM, it features a curated selection of contemporary films, documentaries, and short films exploring themes of mindfulness, resilience, self-care, and social connection.
The inaugural Los Angeles edition will offer filmmakers, founders, and industry leaders a platform to pause, reflect, and recharge while engaging with high-quality storytelling, directly responding to mounting industry pressures.
WELLFF 2026 will convene high-profile creatives in Los Angeles to address escalating industry burnout, pioneer sustainable storytelling practices, and shape the future of global screen culture.
The festival will bring together over 20 filmmakers from across the globe including co-executive producer Brandi Harvey (Sistahs Getting Well). Speaking ahead of her appearance at the festival, Ms. Harvey said, “I’m excited to join the conversation and community”.
WELFF’s partnership with California-based community hub KINN Venice – 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 will offer a rare intersection of global storytelling, wellness, and high-calibre networking. Some of the productions to be screened at this year’s event include Dream A World (featuring Tiffany Haddish and Ringo Starr) and Cycles of Change (from BAFTA-winning filmmaker Emma Lazenby).
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 (BUFF).
The Wellness Film Festival is presented in association with KINN Venice, Buji Spirits, Do Goodly, Mindfuel Flow, Biggs Events and Vivi Labs.
