Film Festival | Vinfen

Stories That Inspire:
Vinfen Film Festival

March 28, 2026 | GBH Studios

Each year, Vinfen uses the power of film to raise awareness, foster important dialogue, and fight against the discrimination and stigma so often faced by people with mental health conditions and disabilities.

The Film Festival returns in 2026 with four feature documentaries and one short film, alongside panel discussions with filmmakers, human services professionals, and individuals with lived experience. A reception will follow, giving guests the opportunity to connect and mingle.

Film Lineup

Recovery City

A raw exploration of life in recovery seen through the eyes of four women in the city of Worcester. From battling stigma to working on the frontlines to save lives, they use their lived experience and resilience to lift up those still struggling.

Patrice: The Movie

A disabled couple, Patrice and Garry, want to marry, but face losing the government benefits they need to survive if they do. Undaunted, they plan a commitment ceremony while striving for social justice and equality for people with disabilities.

Row of Life

This film follows Paralympian Angela Madsen on her attempt to solo row the Pacific Ocean from L.A. to Hawaii. The film captures the year before the row and every step of Angela’s perilous and inspiring journey.

ASD Band: The Movie

This documentary chronicles a talented group of musicians on the autism spectrum who are pushing the boundaries of autism acceptance, one heart-pumping song at a time.

The Beautiful Worlds of David Riley

Documentary short inspired by pop culture, TV, and the urban landscape, telling the story of a self-taught artist with a disability who discovers a hidden talent for painting in his 40s.

Your Festival Guide

Continuing Education Credits

CE credits will be available. Stay tuned for more information.

GBH Studios

For directions, parking information, and more visit: www.wgbh.org/foundation/get-in-touch

Accessibility

The Vinfen Film Festival is an open and inclusive event. If you are an individual with a disability and have any questions about accessibility or requests for special accommodations, please send all inquiries to us at [email protected].

Ticket Pricing

$25 for General Admission
$50 for Continuing Education
Each purchase includes a ticket to 2 films and panel discussions

$25 for the reception

Stay in the loop: Email [email protected] to sign up for our mailing list and stay informed about the 2026 Film Festival, including film lineups, panel updates, and special announcements.

Schedule of Events

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Registration

12:45 PM

Welcome and Opening Remarks
Vinfen President & CEO Jean Yang and Donna Danielewski of WGBH

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Feature Film: ASD Band: The Movie, paired with documentary short The Beautiful Worlds of David Riley
(Calderwood Studio)

Followed by panel discussion
Moderated by Greg Liakos, Director of Vinfen’s Gateway Arts

Feature Film: Row of Life
(Yawkey Theater)

Followed by panel discussion
Moderated by Sandy Schultz, LICSW, Vice President of Specialized Services for Vinfen

3:00 – 3:45 PM

Break

3:45 – 5:45 PM

Feature Film: Recovery City
(Calderwood Studio)

Followed by panel discussion
Moderated by Princess Alston, LMHC, CADC, Director of Substance Use at Vinfen

Feature Film: Patrice: The Movie
(Yawkey Theater)

Followed by panel discussion
Moderated by Sophie Hansen, LICSW, Director of Government Relations and External Affairs at Vinfen

6:00 – 7:30 PM

Post-event Reception
in the Fraser Performance Center (separate reception ticket required). After the films and panels are through, please join us for delicious passed hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, and a chance to mix, mingle and network with filmmakers and members of the Vinfen and human services community.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Presenting: $20,000

10 tickets to film festival and reception
Full-page sponsorship ad in festival program book
Listing on event invitation (if sponsorship pledged by 1/5)
Logo placement in festival program book as a sponsor
Logo featured on Vinfen’s website
Shout out on social media posts
Logo displayed on-screen inside GBH Studios
Logo featured on table tents and charging stations inside GBH Studios
Special recognition from Vinfen President & CEO Jean Yang during opening remarks
Podium welcome opportunity to speak in front of the audience at the beginning of a film

Headliner: $10,000

8 tickets to film festival and reception
Full-page sponsorship ad in festival program book
Listing on event invitation (if sponsorship pledged by 1/5)
Logo placement in festival program book as a sponsor
Logo featured on Vinfen’s website
Shout out on social media posts
Logo displayed on-screen inside GBH Studios
Logo featured on table tents and charging stations inside GBH Studios
Special recognition from Vinfen President & CEO Jean Yang during opening remarks

Director: $7,500