At Reels & Roots, we believe that art has the power to heal, connect, and transform communities. Born in Indianapolis, our nonprofit was founded on a simple but powerful idea: film can spark the conversations that help people grow stronger together.

Too often, youth and families—especially those from underserved communities—lack access to artistic experiences that reflect their lives and open space for dialogue. Reels & Roots was created to change that. We host film screenings paired with candid community talkbacks, bringing people together across generations to discuss resilience, identity, and wellness.

Our events highlight independent films of artistic excellence, curated for their ability to tell powerful stories. But we don’t stop at watching—we create safe, inclusive spaces for conversation. Local youth, community leaders, and experts sit side by side to talk honestly about what the films mean and how art can be a tool for coping with life’s challenges.

In February 2026, during Children’s Mental Health Week, we will host a special screening of The Mask You Live In at Phoenix Theatre. The event will feature Indianapolis teens as panelists, joined by Dr. Russell J. Ledet, a resident child psychiatrist, and filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who will share her vision behind the documentary. This gathering will be a powerful example of what Reels & Roots is all about—using art to amplify youth voices, reduce stigma, and strengthen community bonds.

When you support Reels & Roots, you help us:

Bring world-class films into accessible, community spaces.
Elevate youth leadership by putting local teens at the center of the conversation.
Ensure equitable access by keeping events free or low-cost and fully ADA accessible.
Spark lasting change by creating dialogue that continues long after the credits roll.

We are planting seeds—through film, through dialogue, and through community. With your partnership, those seeds will grow deep roots that help entire communities thrive.

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