SDCC 2025: Give an Hour Joins Forces with Ashley Maria Productions to Tackle Anxiety

Give an Hour, a national nonprofit transforming the mental health landscape through trauma-informed, no-cost care, has announced its Comic-Con collaboration with Emmy-nominated filmmaker Ashley Maria and her short film Super Human Anxiety.

The short film, follows Whitney — a teenage girl whose anxiety manifests as superhuman strength — as she faces a life-changing choice when trapped in an elevator. It’s a relatable, superhero origin story told through the lens of mental health, and one that resonates with the 40 million+ Americans who live with anxiety.

Throughout the week of July 23–27, Give an Hour will co-host interactive moments with the Super Human Anxiety team at San Diego Comic-Con, including:

• A booth experience (MZ-13, Mezzanine Level) with anxiety tools, limited-edition superhero trading cards, and wellness resources
• Film screenings:
  • Saturday, July 26 @ 1:40 PM – CCI Independent Film Festival
  • Sunday, July 27 @ 1:45 PM – San Diego Int’l Children’s Film Festival
• A panel discussion on Saturday moderated by director Ashley Maria: Directors and Composers in Creative Sync

Impact Activation: “Own Your Origin Story”
Attendees will be invited to begin their own hero journey through Give an Hour’s Wellness Ambassador program — a national effort that equips community members with the tools and confidence to support others while caring for their own well-being journey.

Participants will be able to:

• Access exclusive tools co-developed with Ashley Maria Productions
• Complete a personalized Check on Wellness
• Submit their own origin story to be featured in Give an Hour’s upcoming awareness campaigns
• Opt into a six-month co-branded email journey of resilience, reflection, and storytelling

This partnership comes at a time when anxiety rates continue to rise — especially among youth and young adults — and when conversations about mental health must become as common as conversations about identity, creativity, and personal power.