Best Psychology in Film - 5 ª Season

Candace D. Patrick is a writer, director, and producer who was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. She first became passionate about screenwriting in high school after her drama teacher encouraged her to apply to the Scriptwriters Network High School Fellowship Program, of which she was accepted. Participating in that fellowship led her to earn a Screenwriting degree from Loyola Marymount University, where she developed her voice focusing on stories that authentically displayed human journeys. Having had the opportunity to travel to 25+ countries while working as a marketing director for Semester at Sea, a study abroad program, Candace learned that the feeling of joy is universal. Still, the path to happiness and healing is uniquely traveled and often includes laughter. Her writing frequently explores grief and healing, mental health, finding joy, and debunking the Strong Black Woman concept. She earned semifinalist rankings for her first feature, "Glow," in the 2010 StoryPros contest, and the 2017 Screencraft Film Fund for her short script, "Cycle." In 2019, she wrote, directed, and produced the short film "The 5th Room," which received awards and nominations for Best Short, Best Writer, and Best Director. Since then, she has worked on several independent films and web projects. Her 1-hour family drama pilot, "Harrington's Crossing," advanced to the finalist round of the Spring 2021 WeScreenplay Diverse Voices competition.

Out of the Shadows examines the mental health crisis in rural America through the eyes of the farmers who experience the struggle every day. This gripping documentary offers firsthand accounts of the crisis impacting our rural communities and those who grow the food that feeds the world.

Andrés Mejia is the CHLI Video and Graphics Fellow, a highly accomplished creative professional who boasts a remarkable history of earning both national and international acclaim.

From American Idol alum to trained actress and award-nominated filmmaker, Hallelujah Johnson is a visionary storyteller known for crafting bold, immersive, and unforgettable cinematic experiences. Her debut project, Breathe (An Animated Short Film), was nominated for a Guinness World Record and recognized for its innovative storytelling and cultural depth. Her most recent film, Sovereign (Animated Short Film), is scheduled to release in 2025. With a background in performance and a passion for showcasing groundbreaking narratives, Johnson bridges sound, soul, and story using animation as a vehicle for truth, healing, and generational legacy. Hallelujah Johnson is a survivor of an onset throat cancer scare (larynx) and recovered her voice to sing for American Idol. She is a natural creative, a songwriter, a trained actress, and a digital storyteller.

Stacey Larkins is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and musician residing in the New York City metropolitan area. She has written, directed, composed, and edited several short films that have played in numerous festivals across the country. Her films have also been featured on Kweli TV, Shorts TV, and Aspire TV's Urban Indie Film Block. She has also written work for theater that has been produced by theatrical production companies in New York City and in the U.K.