Three mental health videos produced by students from Orange County recently earned statewide honors in the 2021 Directing Change Program and Film Contest, and dozens have earned regional recognition.
The contest is part of statewide suicide prevention and mental health efforts administered by the California Mental Health Services Authority. The program’s newest category “Hope and Justice” encourages young people to express how they cope during tough times and find the hope to continue moving forward.
Students filmmakers were tasked with producing 60-second films about suicide prevention and mental health that will be used to support awareness, education and advocacy efforts.
“To say we were impressed with the students who participated in the Student Advocates for Mental Health Directing Change Projects this year would be an understatement,” said Stephanie Loscko, OCDE program specialist for youth development programs. “Their films portrayed powerful messages of mental health awareness and suicide prevention with a focus on stigma reduction, which is a critical component to improve help-seeking behaviors in youth. We believe opportunities like the Directing Change Program are a beneficial way for students to use their creativity to captivate peers and adults alike with important messaging, education, and resources.”
Directing Change is a nonprofit that promotes suicide prevention and mental health awareness through its annual festival of 60-second films. Over the years, 16,207 students have submitted a combined 5,963 films.
Each year, more and more youth in California are introduced to Mental Health and Suicide Prevention curriculum through Directing Change. And in 2021, students statewide submitted 974 film entries created by 1,817 youth from 136 schools and community-based organizations representing 23 counties.
Statewide winners were revealed at a virtual awards ceremony held May 18. In addition to student winners, Directing Change presented the 2021 Award for a TV Show with Outstanding Messaging around Mental Health to “This is Us” actor and producer Sterling K. Brown.
Here are the Orange County state and regional honorees along with links to their videos:
2021 Statewide Winners
Suicide Prevention Category
Third Place: “Quaranteens”
Orange County
Woodbridge High School
Filmmakers: Daisy Bateman, Brooke Brody, Ashna Parekh, and Katie Kim
Advisor: Megan Humphreys
View & Download
Mental Health Matters Category
Third Place: “Bloom”
Orange County
Portola High School
Filmmakers: Grace Shao, Shailee Sankhala, Yinzhi Pan, Raksha Rajeshmohan, Cecilia Mou, Rachel Shim, Megan Sha, Anne Wu, and May Essman
Advisor: Ryan Itchon
View & Download
Through the Lens of Culture category
* Second Place (TIED): “The Mental Blanket”
Orange County
Brea Olinda High School
Filmmakers: Nemo Luong, Kim Tong, and Mia Luong
Advisor: Bill Mings
View & Download
2021 Regional High School/Youth and Young Adult Winners
Suicide Prevention Category
* First Place: “Quaranteens” (Advanced to statewide round of judging)
Orange County
Woodbridge High School
Filmmakers: Daisy Bateman, Brooke Brody, Ashna Parekh, and Katie Kim
Advisor: Megan Humphreys
View & Download
Third Place: “Imagine”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmaker: Taylor Rogers
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download
Mental Health Category
* First Place: “Signs” (Advanced to statewide round of judging)
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Justin Guest, Harmaan Mohta, Mitchell Jones, and Meyson McComb
Advisor: Mark Switzer
View & Download
Second Place: “March 2020”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Giada Leone and Jenny Leone
Advisor: Mr. Graham
View & Download
Third Place (TIED): “Bloom” (Team Pick – Advanced to statewide round of judging)
Orange County
Portola High School
Filmmakers: Grace Shao, Shailee Sankhala, Yinzhi Pan, Raksha Rajeshmohan, Cecilia Mou, Rachel Shim, Megan Sha, Anne Wu, and May Essman
Advisor: Ryan Itchon
View & Download
Third Place (TIED): “Each Mind Matters”
Orange County
Edison High School
Filmmaker: Mia Avalos
Advisor: Ryan Hayes
View & Download
For a complete list of regional winners, visit www.directingchangeca.org/films.