Behind The Joy: FREE Atlanta Premiere Screening & Community Conversation
About this Event
Behind The Joy: Atlanta Premiere Screening & Community Conversation
Atlanta, we are bringing Behind The Joy to you.
Join us on Saturday, July 18, 2026, for the Atlanta premiere of Behind The Joy, an award-winning independent film written and directed by Jamal Smart. The film explores postpartum depression, family dynamics, emotional silence, and the often-overlooked mental health struggles that can impact mothers, fathers, partners, and families after childbirth.
We are proud to share that Black Girls Mental Health Collective has bought out all seats for the Atlanta premiere, making this event free and accessible to the public. Their support helps remove financial barriers for families, birth workers, advocates, healthcare professionals, students, and community members who want to be part of this important conversation around postpartum depression, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and the support systems needed before, during, and after childbirth.
Although admission is free, registration is required due to limited seating.
This screening is more than a film event. It is a community impact experience designed to bring awareness, conversation, and resources to the issue of postpartum mental health, especially in Black and Brown communities.
The evening will include a screening of Behind The Joy, a live director Q&A with writer/director Jamal Smart, and a community-centered conversation around maternal mental health, family support, healing, and what it means to care for the people who are often expected to hold everyone else together.
About the Film
Behind The Joy follows a family navigating the emotional weight of postpartum depression and the silence that often surrounds it. The film sheds light on what happens when pain goes unseen, communication breaks down, and loved ones struggle to understand what support truly looks like.
Through honest storytelling, Behind The Joy creates space for families, healthcare workers, birth workers, advocates, and community members to have deeper conversations about postpartum depression, emotional wellness, and the importance of early support, compassion, and awareness.
Why This Event Matters
Postpartum depression and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders affect families across all backgrounds, but stigma, cultural silence, lack of access, and fear of judgment often prevent people from getting help.
For many families, the struggle does not look obvious from the outside. People may appear happy, strong, or “fine,” while silently carrying depression, anxiety, fear, resentment, or emotional exhaustion.
This event is designed to help change that.
Through film and conversation, Behind The Joy invites the Atlanta community to talk openly about:
Postpartum depression and emotional wellness after childbirth
The mental health of mothers, fathers, partners, and families
The role of relatives, partners, friends, and community support
Breaking stigma in Black and Brown communities
The importance of culturally aware care and resources
How storytelling can be used as a tool for healing, awareness, and change
Event Experience
Guests can expect:
Red carpet-style arrival and networking
Screening of the award-winning film Behind The Joy
Live Q&A with writer/director Jamal Smart
Community conversation around postpartum mental health
Opportunities to connect with local organizations, advocates, and resources
A meaningful evening centered on film, awareness, and impact
Community Partners & Supporting Organizations
The Atlanta premiere is supported through the collaboration and community engagement of organizations committed to maternal mental health, birth equity, family support, advocacy, and social impact, including Black Girls Mental Health Collective, Women’s Diversity Network, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.®, Postpartum Support International, Irth App, and the National Black Doulas Association®.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Location: Cinevision Atlanta, 3300 Northeast Expressway, Atlanta, GA 30341
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Film Begins: 7:30 PM
Admission: Free to the public thanks to the support of Black Girls Mental Health Collective
Registration: Required due to limited seating
Join us for an evening of film, conversation, community, and healing as Behind The Joy continues its mission to bring postpartum mental health awareness into the spaces where families, advocates, and communities can be seen, heard, and supported.
Agenda
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Doors Open / Guest Check-In / Networking
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Film Screening: Behind The Joy
🕑: 08:30 PM - 09:00 PM
Director and Actors Q&A
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 161.90
