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Blue Monday: Mind & Story – Mental Wellness Through Creative Expression 

African Movie Festival in Manitoba (AM-FM) Hosts Community-Centered Mental Health Event 

The African Movie Festival in Manitoba (AM-FM) presents Blue Monday: Mind & Story – Mental Wellness Through Creative Expression, a free community event on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Gas Station Arts Centre in Winnipeg. 

Coinciding with Blue Monday, often called the year’s most challenging day, this event blends comedy, film, and dialogue to explore mental health through the experiences of Black and African diasporic communities. The evening opens with a comedic set by Emmanuel Lomuro, an award-winning Sudanese Canadian comedian whose humor reflects migration, identity, and resilience. A curated screening of five short films follows, addressing themes of burnout, grief, displacement, caregiving, and healing. The program concludes with a panel discussion led by Tracy-Ann Campbell, Associate Director at CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg, alongside mental health practitioners and filmmakers. 

Additional features include community resource tables, light refreshments, and opportunities for connection.

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“Mental health is a universal concern, but the ways we experience and talk about it are deeply shaped by culture and community.”

– Ben Akoh, President and Founder of AM-FM.

“This event is important because it uses storytelling, a powerful tool in African traditions, to break stigma, foster dialogue, and remind us that healing happens when we come together.”

“Blue Monday: Mind & Story is about creating space to laugh, to reflect, to feel seen, and to talk openly about mental health in ways that feel human and culturally grounded.”

– Bimbola Adurogboye, Program Coordinator of AM-FM.

About AM-FM 

The African Movie Festival in Manitoba (AM-FM) is a community-driven arts organization dedicated to amplifying Black and African diasporic stories through film, education, and cultural programming. Through screenings, workshops, and community events, AM-FM uses storytelling as a tool for dialogue, representation, and social impact. 

Event Details:

What: Blue Monday: Mind & Story – Mental Wellness Through Creative Expression

When: Monday, January 19, 2026 | 7:00–9:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)

Where: Gas Station Arts Centre, 445 River Ave, Winnipeg

Admission: Free (RSVP required)

Media Contact:

Bimbola Adurogboye

– Program Coordinator, African Movie Festival in Manitoba

Email: badu@am-fm.ca

Website: http://www.am-fm.ca

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