While the weather in May is sure to be on-again, off-again affair, the Park City Film Series screening schedule is spot on.  Also jumping into the film scene is CONNECT Summit County, a local organization focused on removing the stigma around mental health issues. Here's what's coming up this month in movies:

Brainstorm Film Festival

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, CONNECT Summit County is hosting a series of film screenings focused on various issues. Screenings will take place at the Jim Santy Auditorium starting at 6:30 p.m.; they are all free and open to the public.  

May 1 - Mindfulness Goes Mainstream

Meditation isn't just for monks or yogis anymore, millions of ordinary people are embracing it. This PBS documentary, through expert opinions and interviews, delves into how mindfulness can benefit anyone at almost any age, both mind and body. 

There will be a post-film Q&A with local mindfulness meditation practitioner Rebecca Brenner. 

May 9 - Heroin(e)

This 2018 Oscar-nominated documentary chronicles the work of three women--a deputy fire chief, a drug court judge, and social worker--as they fight the opioid epidemic rampant in Huntington, West Virginia. 

The film will be followed by a discussion moderated by Mary Christa Smith (Communities That Care) and Q & A.   

May 24 - Heaven Is A Traffic Jam On The 405

Winner of the 2018 Academy Award for best short documentary, this film examines mental illness through interviews and re-enactments from Mindy Alper, a brilliant 56 year old artist, represented by one of Los Angeles' top galleries. Struggling with mental health issues her entire life, Alper has survived electroshock therapy, multiple commitments to mental institutions, and a 10-year period without speech thanks in large part to her art. 

The post-film panel discussion will include Q&A with psychiatrist Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson and Ida Yoked (Expressive Therapies Utah).

May 30 - Dying To Be Thin

Through personal accounts from students, ballet dancers, fashion models, and other young women who have struggled with the disease, this PBS documentary delves into the disturbing increase in eating disorders, especially anorexia and bulimia. Although sobering, the film is hopeful, showing how eating disorder specialists have made dramatic advances in treating the millions affected by the disease. 

Karen Malm (PhD, Summit Community Counseling), Melissa Taylor MS, LMFT, Center for Change), and Sloane Pitman (survivor) will be part of a post-film panel discussing a new disorder – orthorexia (eating ultra-healthy to the point of obsession).

Park City Film Series

May 4 - 6: Claire's Camera - Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 6 p.m.

This charming film explores the power of images to transform us through the camera lens of Claire, a school teacher on her first visit to Cannes, famous for its film festival. There she meets a film sales assistant recently fired from her job and film director who unscrupulously seduces women.  

May 5: Ferdinand - 4 p.m. (Free)

After escaping from a bullfighting training camp in rural Spain, the young bull Ferdinand finds a peaceful life with a girl on a farm. But when authorities return him to his former captors, his world comes crashing down. With the aid of three hedgehogs and a goat, Ferdinand must find a way to break free before he faces the undefeated matador El Primero. 

May 10: Real Boy - 7 p.m. (Free)

This intimate story of a family in transition follows 19-year-old Bennett Wallace as he navigates adolescence, sobriety, and a changing gender identity. At the same time his mother struggles to accept her trans son. REAL BOY will be screened in English with Spanish subtitles and will be followed by a panel (speakers TBD). 

May 11 - 13: Finding Your Feet - Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 6 p.m.

After finding out her husband of forty years is having an affair, 'Lady' Sandra heads to London to stay with her estranged, older sister. Sandra, however, is the polar opposite of her free-spirited, outspoken sibling and feels like a fish out of water. Despite their difference, Sandra gradually finds her feet after being dragged to a community dance class.

May 12: El Libro de Lila (Lila's Book) - 4 p.m. (Free)

The adventure begins when Lila, a character from a children's story book, falls out of her world and becomes trapped in another. Only by convincing her best friend Ramon to start reading and believing in fantasy can Lila be saved. This screening is in Spanish with English subtitles.

May 17: Mind/Game: The Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw - 6:30 p.m. (Free) 

Hailed as the "female Michael Jordan," Chamique Holdsclaw was destined for a spectacular athletic career. But while riding high, her long-suppressed mental disorders resurfaced, threatening to not only derail her career, but also her life. Narrated by Glenn Close, the film chronicles Holdsclaw’s athletic accomplishments and personal setbacks, and her decision, despite public stigma, to become an outspoken mental health advocate. 

Chamique Holdsclaw will be present for a post-film Q&A; this film is presented in partnership with CONNECT Summit County as part of the Brainstorm Film Festival.

May 18 - 20: Final Portrait - Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 6 p.m.

The film offers an intimate look at the offbeat friendship between the world-famous artist Alberto Giacometti and an American writer and art lover. Despite his talent, Giacometti is unsure of his work and the film sheds light on the beauty, frustration, profundity and sometimes the chaos of the artistic process.

May 25 - 27: Isle of Dogs - Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 6 p.m.

From acclaimed director Wes Anderson, Isle of Dogs follows a boy as he attempts to rescue his dog Spots from and the island where Japan's dogs have been quarantined due to an outbreak of canine flu. His quest inspires other dog lovers to expose a government conspiracy. A unique stop-motion feature, gives viewers something completely new in terms of images and sounds. 

Local animal rescue organization Nuzzles & Co will be at the screening to showcase adoptable dogs and puppies.