Screenings Begin Today Across Two Cities
The 11th edition of the Psicurt Short Film Festival on Mental Health is underway from 3 to 11 October in Tarragona and Reus, coinciding with Mental Health Week. Organised by the Official College of Psychology of Catalonia (COPC) alongside the city councils of Reus and Tarragona, the festival uses film to explore emotional wellbeing, psychological disability, and mental health stigma. All events are free to attend but require prior booking where specified, according to the Reus City Council’s Area of Services for People and Social Rights, which includes the festival in its Mental Health Month programme.
Today’s Screenings Explore Psychedelics and Family Trauma
At 11:00 at the Old Audiencia building in Tarragona, the documentary Més enllà de la ment by Christophe Sion will screen. The film examines the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances through experiential therapy, human connection, and guided support. Following the screening, a discussion will take place with director Christophe Sion, psychologist Carlos Bouso, and psychiatrist Tre Borràs. In the evening at 18:00, also at the Old Audiencia, the drama Un hijo, un drama starring Macarena García and Hugo Silva will be shown. The film addresses child psychology, family secrets, and resilience. Director Nacho La Casa will join a post-screening talk.
The festival creates a meeting space between psychology, culture, and audiovisual arts to promote visibility and reduce social stigma around mental health.
Official Opening and Full Programme Ahead
Though screenings begin today, the official opening ceremony takes place on Thursday, 8 October at 18:45 at the same venue. It will feature the screening of Corredora, a sports drama led by Alba Sáez, Marina Salas, and Àlex Brendemühl, reflecting on societal pressure shaped by immediacy and personal ambition. Director Laura García Alonso will participate in a discussion with Jaume Descarrega, psychologist and technical director of Psicurt. Earlier in the weekend, on Sunday 4 October at 18:00, episodes one and six of the series Pubertat will be screened, followed by a conversation with actress Aina Martínez and a psychology professional. Dance and theatre also feature in the programme. On Tuesday 6 October at 19:45, the dance performance Sense paraules by IES Sant Pere i Sant Pau will premiere alongside the short film Cualquiera by IES Rodanas d’Épila. The next day, Wednesday 7 October at 19:00, the Bartrina Theatre in Reus hosts Boja, a stage production by Mariona Esplugues that traces 16 years of psychiatric consultations.
Competition Screenings and Closing Ceremony
The final competitive section features 25 selected short films, to be shown simultaneously in both cities. Screenings occur on Friday 9 October at 19:00 and Saturday 10 October at 18:00 in Reus and Tarragona. Audiences can vote for the Audience Award during these sessions. The festival concludes on Sunday 11 October. At 11:45, there will be a brunch and a masterclass with last year’s winners, José Ocaña and Cristina Urgel. Later, at 18:45, journalist Ricard Lahoz will host the awards gala, where prizes will be presented.
How to Attend
Residents and visitors can attend all events free of charge, subject to availability. Booking may be required for certain events; attendees should consult the official COPC website for full details and reservations.
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