Traumality – Northern Ireland Premiere Comes to Belfast
We are delighted to announce that The Sunshine Project is co-hosting with Anthea Smyth & Victoria Nicol the Northern Ireland premiere of Traumality, a powerful new documentary exploring the connection between trauma, adversity and mental health.
The screening will take place at The MAC, Belfast, on Thursday 22 October 2026 at 6:30pm.
Tickets are now available, and we would love to see you there.
Book your tickets for the Northern Ireland Premiere on Eventbrite →
A different way of looking at mental health
Traumality, written and directed by Ton Mazzone, explores an important question: what if some of the experiences we understand as mental illness are better understood in the context of what has happened to us?
The documentary brings together leading experts, clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience to explore the growing understanding of how childhood trauma and adversity can influence our mental health, our relationships, our behaviour and the way we experience the world around us.
Rather than simply asking “What’s wrong with you?”, Traumality encourages us to consider a different question:
“What happened to you?”
The film challenges us to think differently about diagnosis, treatment and the way society responds to people experiencing psychological distress.
Why this conversation matters
For many people who have experienced trauma, being given a diagnosis can sometimes provide an explanation and a route towards support. But for others, a diagnosis can leave them feeling labelled, misunderstood or as though something is fundamentally wrong with them.
Traumality explores the possibility of a more trauma-informed approach – one that recognises the experiences and circumstances behind distress and considers the whole person rather than simply focusing on symptoms.
The documentary features contributions from internationally recognised voices in trauma, psychology and mental health, alongside people sharing their own lived experiences.
It is ultimately a film about understanding, compassion and changing the conversation around mental health.
Join us in Belfast
We are proud to be bringing the Northern Ireland premiere to Belfast and to be co-hosting an evening that we hope will encourage conversation, reflection and a greater understanding of trauma and mental health.
Whether you work in mental health, healthcare, education, social care or the community sector, have personal experience of trauma, support someone who has, or simply want to understand more, this screening offers an opportunity to watch the film and be part of an important conversation.
📍 The MAC, Belfast
📅 Thursday 22 October 2026
🕡 6:30pm
Co-hosted by Michelle Major, Anthea Smyth, Victoria Nicol and The Sunshine Project.
🎟️ Get your tickets
Places are available through Eventbrite.
BOOK TICKETS FOR THE NORTHERN IRELAND PREMIERE →
We hope you can join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking and meaningful evening.