Embedded Files
We’re excited to share the collection of films we presented at the Project UnLonely Film Festival at The Monarch Theatre on November 8, 2025.
These powerful short films give voice to the growing epidemic of loneliness and illuminate the diverse lived experiences of isolation that affect so many people today. Each story offers a unique perspective—reminding us that while loneliness is deeply personal, it is also profoundly universal.
Our first film in the series, 1.2 Million, tells the story of how an accident prompts a kind response, forging an unforeseen relationship between a considerate postman and a lonely senior.
Our second film, New Old Friends is a heartwarming tale of connection.
New Old Friends follows two gentlemen who strike up a conversation in the park, bonding over the ridiculousness of their grandchildren. It's a beautiful reminder that friendship can blossom at any age — sometimes it feels like meeting an old friend for the first time.
The third film, The Black Wolf is powerful short film that follows Drew Robinson as he faces the grip of alcohol addiction—a struggle that nearly cost him his life three times. Determined to break the cycle, Drew found healing through sobriety, Muay Thai, and reconnecting with his Blackfoot culture. His story is raw, honest, and deeply inspiring.
The fourth film in the series, Confessions tells a touching story about two nuns in their golden years who, after the death of a friend, begin to question what comes next. One confession leads to another… and suddenly, they find themselves on an unexpected adventure.
Stay tuned as we continue to highlight more stories in the days ahead. If you’d like to explore more films like the ones featured throughout this series, you can find over 150 free short films available year-round on the Foundation for Art & Healing website.
What Matters to Hatters hosted Project UnLonely Film Fest & Community Mingle on November 8, 2025.
Medicine Hat Healthy Communities - An Equity Lens was also publicly launched and shared about at this event. This initiative is aimed at promoting inclusivity and resilience within our city.
The community mingle provided an overview of the initiative's goals and how it aligns with fostering a healthier, more connected community. Local work being done to address social isolation and loneliness was also showcased, as well as local opportunities to get together and connect. This event provided a unique opportunity to engage with community leaders, share your perspectives, and discover meaningful ways to contribute to building a healthy, resilient Medicine Hat.
Together, we can create a stronger, more connected community.
Project UnLonely is a national initiative that was launched by the Foundation for Art & Healing (FAH) in 2016 to address the growing public health concern of social isolation and chronic loneliness. Project UnLonely has three goals: to raise awareness of loneliness and its negative physical and mental health effects, to destigmatize loneliness, and to make programming available to address loneliness.
Loneliness and isolation are among today’s most urgent public health crises. Over one-third of adults report significantly feeling this way, and research shows it can lead to a 30% increased risk of early death—on par with smoking 15 cigarettes per day! What’s more, other mental health-related issues can result from these feelings, such as depression, suicide, and substance abuse.
Project UnLonely films, now in its 8th season, selects 35-40 films from multiple filmmakers that explore the themes of loneliness, connection, and belonging from diverse perspectives.
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