Art For The Soul: A Creative Journey For Well-Being - Coming to the New York Short Film Festival 2026

Art For The Soul: A Creative Journey For Well-Being — Coming to the New York Short Film Festival 2026

I am beyond excited to share that my first short documentary film, Art For The Soul: A Creative Journey For Well-Being, which I wrote, produced, and directed, has been selected for the New York Short Film Festival, screening May 15–21, 2026 at Cinema Village in Manhattan!

How It All Began

The story behind this film starts in the fall of 2024, when I committed to a consistent daily sketchbook practice. What happened next surprised even me. Not only did it help me navigate stress and uncertainty, it became a source of healing, self-discovery, and a way to find and refine my art style. The impact was so profound that I kept thinking - more people need to know about this. Not just artists, but anyone. Because creativity is for everyone.

In a world that feels increasingly overwhelming, we all need tools to support our mental well-being. A sketchbook practice is just one of them - simple, accessible, and deeply powerful.

From Idea to Film

By June 2025, the idea of making a short film to bring this message to a wider audience started taking shape. But I had no idea where to begin. How do you find a studio? A crew? How do you even write a script for a documentary film? I had more questions than answers.

Sometimes the universe sends you exactly what you need. At a breakfast networking event in June 2025, a woman I had just met casually mentioned Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) Studios in New York City. I researched it and learned that once you become a member and attend orientation, you can reserve studio space for filming - at no cost. For a filmmaker with almost no budget, this was the answer I was looking for. This film was suddenly possible!

At orientation, I met Januel, who would later become my Assistant Director. On October 16, 2025, we filmed for over 5 hours - capturing more footage than I ever imagined I would need.

Finding My Editor

While I have basic editing skills, I knew this project needed more than I could give it. Then, during a trip to Los Angeles in mid-November, I met Dave, a seasoned editor who offered to edit the film. Just like that, two of the biggest pieces fell into place.

Together, we took four hours of footage and shaped it down to seven minutes - tight, focused, and true to the message I set out to share.

Imposter Syndrome and the Decision to Submit

By early January 2026 the film was ready, but I wasn't sure I was. Imposter syndrome crept in and I questioned the quality, the message, everything. I decided to start small - submitting to MNN for broadcast rather than jumping straight into the festival circuit.

On March 14, 2026, Art For The Soul had its broadcast premiere on MNN. Watching it air, something shifted. I thought - this message needs to reach more people. So I researched film festivals, identified four that felt like the right fit, and submitted.

I am thrilled that the New York Short Film Festival was the first to say yes. 🎬

About the Film

LOGLINE

Art For The Soul: A Creative Journey For Well-Being is a documentary short that explores how a daily sketchbook practice can become a path to healing, self-discovery, and mental well-being - told through the lens and voice of artist Rekha Krishnamurthi.

Synopsis

Art For The Soul: A Creative Journey For Well-Being is a documentary short in which artist Rekha Krishnamurthi shares how her daily sketchbook practice has become a path to healing, self-reflection, and emotional grounding. Speaking directly to the audience, she reveals how even simple marks on paper can hold emotion, spark insight, and cultivate mental well-being.

Through personal stories and reflection, the film invites viewers into the rituals of a creative practice. Rekha demonstrates how creativity can be both a mirror and a companion - helping us process experiences, find clarity, and reconnect with ourselves.

Rooted in the belief that creativity is for everyone, Art For The Soul is an exploration of how art can support mindfulness, self-discovery, and emotional resilience.

Come See It!

The film will be screened at the New York Short Film Festival, May 15–21, 2026 at Cinema Village in Manhattan. Screening date and time to be announced - stay tuned for updates! 

I would love to see you there. ✨

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