Sad People Factory

Holger und ich.(de)

Holger Diekmann was a singer, bass player, and drummer in multiple local bands throughout his short life. Filmmaker Jonas Helmerichs sets out to learn what kind of person his late uncle was. Intimate family portrait and exploration of grief, depression, and death.

Le clown est triste(fr)

This documentary attempts to understand why so many comedians experience mental health issues, a condition that stands in stark contrast to their profession. Anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts: these are the heavy subjects they dare to tackle on stage. Cathy Gauthier, Coco Belliveau, Jean-François Mercier, Mario Jean, Maude Landry, Preach and Simon Gouache testify.

The Show Must Go On(en)

The Show Must Go On is a personal journey behind the scenes that confronts the epidemic of mental health issues in the Australian entertainment industry.

Once I Dreamt Of Life(fi)

Every day in Finland alone, two people commit suicide. Thousands of people are affected by suicide yearly. Once I Dreamt of Life is a feature length documentary film about suicide. It’s an account about one’s personal relation to suicide, but also studies suicide as social phenomena: The motives, warning signs & consequences. The film follows the journey of a young man, an animated character based on a real person, on his path towards suicide. The journey is described by people who’ve had encounters with suicide – parents who lost their child, young adults who considered or even tried committing suicide. When linked together, these experiences offer a collage of our perception of suicide. They tell about how people cope with the past and find a reason to go on with their lives. The intention is not to romanticize suicide or judge. It encourages people to talk about painful and difficult experiences and reminds us how important it is to be heard.

Dépression, de l'ombre à la lumière(fr)

Stooge(en)

Stooge is a feature documentary about Robert Pargiter, Iggy Pop's No1 fan. It covers the three years leading up to his 50th birthday when he tries to track his hero down in a final absolution. His journey has taken him all over the world in search of redemption after years of struggling with addiction, of coping with depression, and of celebrating the communal lust that is Rock'n Roll.

Good Girl(en)

Successful documentary filmmaker Solveig Melkeraaen suffers a heavy clinical depression. Treatment with electroshock therapy helps her, but when she falls into a second depression, she has to accept that being perfect is not an option. A feelgood film on depression.

Next Summer(da)

When Rasmus was 15, his mother and siblings moved from the island Bornholm and left Rasmus with his mentally ill father. Influenced by his father's insecurity, anger and failure, Rasmus chooses to move from Bornholm at the age of 18. Two years later, Rasmus is trying to see if a reunion is possible, but in order to forgive and create a new relationship, father and son must go on a common journey that requires extreme courage and determination to succeed.

Black People Don't Get Depressed(zu)

A poetic exploration of mental health issues among creatives in communities on the African continent and in the diaspora, exploring myths, stigma and solutions through the personal stories of the characters.

Endless Bullying: The Story of Maryana(nl)

Maryana came to the conclusion that she no longer wanted to live because the bullying became unbearable. Based on stories from her family, teachers, friends and classmates, we get an idea of ​​who Maryana was and what kept her busy. All relatives have the same message: let's learn from this and ensure that this does not happen again in the future.

vvvamor(pt)

A formally free poetic documentary filmed through a summer depression in northern Portugal.

Who was Alice Miller?(no)

Alice Miller (1923-2010) psychologist and researcher, became world famous for her books about child abuse and its consequences. But how was it like to grow up as her son? And why did she keep parts of her history a secret?

Diana: In Her Own Words(en)

Using home videos recorded by her voice coach, Diana takes us through the story of her life.

Your Mind Matters(en)

When Roger Lee slips on his front steps, he has no idea the fall will send him spiralling into the darkest chapter of his life. Injured, and drowning in despair, he hits rock bottom—until he discovers the power of his own words. Through pain, he finds purpose, turning his struggle into wisdom that inspires millions. Now, as a world-renowned speaker, he lifts others the way he once needed lifting. A raw and uplifting story of resilience, reinvention, and the unexpected ways we rise.

The Definition of Happiness(en)

In a world obsessed with happiness, so many of us are feeling more lost than ever. After a life-altering accident, Tim travels across four countries to explore how we define happiness — and whether we’re even asking the right questions. What he discovers could change the way we live, and what we value, forever.

before again(en)

A gaze dimmed by hope that all will mend in time, shadowed by the quiet dread that sorrow, too, must come.

Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine(en)

An intimate portrait of Matthew Shepard, the gay young man murdered in one of the most notorious hate crimes in U.S. history. Framed through a personal lens, it's the story of loss, love, and courage in the face of unspeakable tragedy.

Fernanda Young: Foge-me ao Controle(pt)

A dive into the intimate and creative universe of writer, screenwriter, and presenter Fernanda Young. The documentary takes an unconventional approach and becomes a poetic essay, using disruptive archive collages and visual and soundscapes of intimate moments. The film is also an invitation to reflect on creativity and artistic courage.

My Personal Funhouse Mirror(en)

A look at past diary entries reveals a teenage girl's struggles with body image and depression

Hanging by a Thread(en)

Filmmaker Tobias Hermansen, known for Dreamscape and Mentally Unavailable, has battled depression for years, facing moments of darkness that shaped his perspective on life. Through his struggles, he discovered the power of storytelling as both an escape and a means of self-expression. Now, he channels his personal experiences into powerful, deeply emotional films that shed light on mental health and human resilience, inspiring others through storytelling.