Students often juggle a handful of responsibilities, from working on school projects and participating in after-school activities to caring for their younger siblings, all while trying to manage their well-being.
However, the latest Conditions of Children in Orange County report shows that many may struggle to stay afloat, citing an increase of seventh- to 11th-grade students experiencing depression or chronic sadness in recent years.
A group of Los Alamitos High School students created a short film that portrays how receiving support for similar mental health challenges can reduce obstacles for youth and prevent further isolation.
“Beyond the Surface,” produced by Jessica Bae, Emily Fitzgerald, Ella Shapiro, Brooke Tomooka and Kyan Whiten, won first place statewide in the mental health category at the Directing Change Film Program and Contest awards, held at the United Theater on Broadway in Los Angeles on May 21. Each year, the Directing Change program honors students throughout California for creating 30- to 60-second films promoting greater awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.
The nonprofit organization formed in 2017 to help push statewide efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, prevent suicidal ideation and bring awareness to the growing mental health crisis among youth. For its 12th annual contest, the organization received over 1,000 submissions from 209 schools across 37 counties.
This year, more than 450 Orange County students submitted 161 films with the goal of helping their peers recognize and respond to signs of distress they may exhibit. Orange County’s regional student finalists and specialty category winners were celebrated during a special ceremony held May 29.
Along with guidance from their teachers, the teams behind films like “Dear Mom and Dad…” and “Hot Pot” — which won first place statewide in the “Through the Lens of Culture” category — received technical support, training and materials from the Student Advocates for Mental Health program. The OCDE-led initiative provided educational resources to student filmmakers across 10 school sites.
In addition to supporting film projects each year, the Student Advocates for Mental Health team offers tools to help students expand their mental health campaigns on campus. Program Specialist Stephanie Loscko said the team is proud of the potential impact these works of art will have on individual school communities and beyond.
“We were so impressed with the cinematography skills demonstrated by many of our participating schools, along with their understanding of mental health and its impact on our everyday lives,” Loscko said. “Their films were thoughtful in the way they touched on the importance of awareness, support and available resources, and they incited action to help those in need.”
Here are the Orange County student films given statewide and regional honors:
Statewide Awards
Mental Health Category (First Place): “Beyond the Surface”
Los Alamitos High School
Filmmakers: Kyan Whiten, Jessica Bae, Brooke Tomooka, Emily Fitzgerald and Ella Shapiro
Advisor: Conner Brown
Through the Lens of Culture Specialty Category | Group A (First Place): “Hot Pot”
Los Alamitos High School
Filmmakers: Charlize Fan, Isabella Kira, Kolyana Si, Branden Reyes and Shilah Shurki
Advisor: Conner Brown
Walk in Our Shoes | Mental Health Specialty Category (First Place): “Dealing with Anxiety”
Las Flores Middle School
Filmmakers: Anne Rowe and Luke Orologas
Advisor: Roxanne Smathers
Regional Awards
Mental Health Category
Second Place: “Seasons of Hope”
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Claire Ng, Ciana Gonzales, Tahlia Pompel, River Santiago, Zoey Rodriguez
Advisor: Mark Switzer
Suicide Prevention Category
Third Place (Tied): “Through a Different Lens”
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Michael Stanphill and Griffin Henninger
Advisor: Alex Graham
Through the Lens of Culture Category | Group A
Second Place: “Half-Rinsed”
La Quinta High School Creative Writing
Filmmakers: Kevin Nguyen, Orbal Farhad, Audrey Pham and Kevin Le
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
Third Place: “Who Am I to Complain”
La Quinta High School Creative Writing
Filmmakers: Sophia Kabir, Vivian Nguyen, Kayleen O’Connor, Kiara O’Connor and Megan Le
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
Fourth Place (Tied): “No Estas Solo”
Woodbridge High School
Filmmakers: Marleen Juarez
Advisor: Franklyn Belsey
Animated Short Category
Third Place: “Beware of Danger”
Buena Park High School
Filmmakers: Aztlalt Aguirre
Advisor: Shayan Vaziritabar
Walk in Our Shoes | Mental Health Category
Second Place: “Rabbit Hole”
Las Flores Middle School
Filmmakers: Sophia Li and Anna Nguyen
Advisor: Roxanne Smathers
Third Place: “You Are Not Alone”
Carr Intermediate School
Filmmakers: Jesus Ruiz, Camila Hernandez, Christopher Camargo, Jesus Ortega, Jason Valencia, Natalie Avila, Arashel Pacheco, Emma Hernandez and Miley Diaz
Advisor: Jedediah Jack
Walk in Our Shoes | Empathy Category
Third Place (Tied): “Depression & Empathy”
Las Flores Middle School
Filmmakers: Ryan Bernald
Advisor: Roxanne Smathers
Hope & Justice Category
Second Place: “Dear Mom and Dad…”
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Tahlia Pompel and Claire Ng
Advisor: Mark Switzer
If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation, here are a few free resources available to help:
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 1-800-273-8255 is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline that’s available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. It provides Spanish-speaking counselors, as well as options for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
- The Crisis Text Line. The Crisis Text Line is the only 24/7, nationwide crisis-intervention text message hotline. Text HOME to 741-741.
- OC WarmLine. Available 24/7, the OC WarmLine is a free and confidential telephone service providing emotional support and resources to Orange County residents. Call 714-991-6412 or visit namioc.org/oc-warmline for more information.
- National Parent Helpline. This hotline provides emotional support and empowerment strategies to strengthen families. Call 1-855-4A PARENT(1-855-427-2736) 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays.
- 2-1-1 OC. This service connects Orange County’s most vulnerable residents with vital health and human service resources. Call 888-600-4357 or visit www.211oc.org.