Goodness gracious me! A free film festival aiming to raise awareness of mental health issues among black and ethnic minority residents in Wandsworth opens on March 9.

Meera Syal, comedian, writer and star of Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No 42, is among the celebrities getting involved.

The second annual Happy Soul Festival brings together the best in Black, Asian and Korean film, arts and music in Wandsworth, Merton, Sutton, Richmond and Kingston.

Meera said: "Mental health is a difficult issue to broach and discuss in our communities, and something we often hide in the family. But through honest discussion and through other avenues such as film and music we can open up and explore these sensitive issues together."

Along with Odeon movie screenings, exhibitions and talks, you can meet top directors and film talent at the 8-day festival. You can even book to have tea and samosas with Meera on Wednesday, March 12.

All the events are free so reserve your places now to avoid disappointment.

Among the highlights of the festival is a rare screening of Pressure, the first black British feature film. Directed by Horace Ove, it tracks the life of a young Caribbean man in 1970s London, and the conflicting influences of racism, peer pressure and religion.

Self-harm, loneliness, gun crime and bullying are among the issues explored in a film made by young people from Wandsworth and Merton.

Residents can see a special preview of a new offbeat Korean film about a girl who thinks she is a combat cyborg.

The Happy Soul festival aims to get black and ethnic minority people thinking and talking about the mental health issues that affect them.

Festival director Cary Rajinder Sawhney said: "It's worth coming along to see spectacular new films - some tear-jerking, some uplifting - and also live bands and debates. And it's all free."

For a full list of events, and details on how to book, call 020 8682 6375 or visit swlstg-tr.nhs.uk