BGMH Foundation Brings Free Film Screening on Postpartum Depression to Atlanta
Award-winning film Behind The Joy comes to Cinevision Atlanta on July 18, 2026. BGMH Foundation has bought out all seats, making the premiere free and open to the public.
Black Girls Mental Health Foundation is partnering with filmmaker Jamal Smart to bring the award-winning film Behind The Joy to Atlanta for a free community screening centered on postpartum depression, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and the support systems families need before, during, and after birth.
The screening will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Cinevision Atlanta. Black Girls Mental Health Foundation has purchased all available seats, removing the financial barrier for families, birth workers, healthcare providers, and community members who want to be part of this conversation.
"Postpartum depression touches entire families, not just one person," said Jamal Smart, writer and director of Behind The Joy. "With this Atlanta premiere, we want to bring that conversation into the community and create space for healing, awareness, and support. I am incredibly grateful to Black Girls Mental Health Foundation for buying out the seats and making this event free for the public."
Behind The Joy is a narrative film that follows a real family story and explores the emotional weight of postpartum depression on mothers, fathers, and relationships. The film has received 24 international awards, including Best Impact Feature Film at the Kwanzaa Film Festival and a Telly Award for Social Impact. It has been screened at hospitals, universities, and health organizations across the country as a tool for education and community awareness.
Black Girls Mental Health Foundation is committed to making mental health resources and healing-centered spaces accessible to Black and Brown communities. This partnership is an extension of that mission. Families, birth workers, and providers who attend will also have access to resources from the Foundation's clinical practice, Black Girls Mental Health Collective, which specializes in perinatal mental health care for Black and Brown women and families.
The event is supported by a coalition of maternal health and birth equity organizations, including Women's Diversity Network, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., Postpartum Support International, Irth App, and the National Black Doulas Association.
Event Details
What: Behind The Joy Atlanta Community Screening
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Doors Open: 7:00 PM | Film Starts: 7:30 PM
Location: Cinevision Atlanta, 3300 Northeast Expressway, Atlanta, GA 30341
Admission: Free to the public
Featuring: Film screening, director Q&A, and community conversation on maternal mental health
Although tickets are free, registration is required due to limited seating.
Reserve your seat at behindthejoyatl.eventbrite.com
About Black Girls Mental Health Foundation
Black Girls Mental Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing mental health awareness, education, and access for Black and Brown women, families, and communities. The Foundation supports community events, provider training, and free mental health resources. Learn more at bgmhfoundation.org.
About Black Girls Mental Health Collective
Black Girls Mental Health Collective is the clinical practice of Black Girls Mental Health Foundation, providing culturally responsive therapy for Black and Brown women, families, and individuals navigating postpartum, trauma, relationships, and life transitions. To learn more or connect with a therapist, visit blackgirlsmhc.org.
About Behind The Joy
Behind The Joy is an award-winning narrative film written and directed by Jamal Smart. The film explores postpartum depression and its impact on mothers, fathers, and families. For press inquiries related to the film, contact Tyler Peterson at Tyler@behindthejoy.com.