Directing Change

2020 Winners

 

Please view and download the amazing films created by our young and talented filmmakers and check out this tip sheet for ideas to use the films.  You can also contact us to receive a DVD with the films, check out our hand-outs for a selection of past films, watch or host a larger screening from the links below, and view films by submission year, county, or diverse community. We love to hear how you are using the films!


Hand-Outs.

The Directing Change team has created a series of hand-outs with a selection of films in each category:

Suicide Prevention
Mental Health Matters

Through the Lens of Culture – Suicide Prevention
Through the Lens of Culture – Mental Health Matters


Screenings.

The following screenings include a selection of top films from the past few years, by category:

Suicide Prevention Screening
Mental Health Matters Screening

Through the Lens of Culture Screening
SanaMente Screening
Walk in Our Shoes Screening

Los Angeles County 2020 Screening

These student testimonials from participants in the 2020 program can also be used to share their films and their stories:

Student Testimonial: Hashiru
Student Testimonial: We Don’t Do That
Student Testimonial: Abbreviated Soliloquies
Student Testimonial: Choose to Stay
Student Testimonial: Our Battle


Films by County & for Diverse Communities.

In addition, you can view films by county and by specific, diverse communities:

Films by County
Films for Diverse Communities

View monthly Hope & Justice Category winners here

2020 Winners

The following are our regional and specialty category winners for 2020. Honorable Mentions for each category may be added, contingent upon receiving release forms. 

Jump to:
2020 Suicide Prevention Regional Winners (Region 1 San Diego County, Imperial County and Orange County)
2020 Suicide Prevention Regional Winners (Region 2 Riverside County and San Bernardino County)
2020 Suicide Prevention Regional Winners (Region 3 Los Angeles County and Tri-City)
2020 Suicide Prevention Regional Winners (Region 4)
2020 Suicide Prevention Regional Winners (Region 5)
2020 Mental Health Matters Regional Winners (Region 1 San Diego County, Imperial County and Orange County)
2020 Mental Health Matters Regional Winners (Region 2 Riverside County and San Bernardino County)
2020 Mental Health Matters Regional Winners (Region 3 Los Angeles County and Tri-City)
2020 Mental Health Matters Regional Winners (Region 4)
2020 Mental Health Matters Regional Winners (Region 5)
2020 Through the Lens of Culture Statewide Winners – Suicide Prevention
2020 Through the Lens of Culture Statewide Winners – Mental Health Matters
2020 SanaMente Statewide Winners
2020 Animated Short Statewide Winners
2020 Walk in our Shoes – The Superhero in Each of Us Statewide Winners
2020 Walk in our Shoes – What is Mental Health Statewide Winners
2020 Walk in our Shoes – Words Matter Statewide Winners

2020 Statewide Winners

Mental Health Matters Winners

First Place: “Conflicting Currents”
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmakers: Jeremiah Andrade, Josh McConnell, Gavin DeLacruz and Luciano Aldana
Advisor: James Miura
View & Download

Second Place: “Baggage”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Rachael Pollak, Mary Lee, Stella Spindler, Xander Lahti, Keira Feng and Madeline Bills
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download

Third Place: “Hashiru”
Los Angeles County
Warren High School
Filmmakers: Andrew Stratton, Ruben Mendoza and Daniel Sanchez
Advisor: Jared Nelson
View & Download

Suicide Prevention Winners

First Place: “Our Battle”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Vincent Zachary Muñoz and Jesus Chavez-Hernandez
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download

Second Place: “Moving Too Fast”
Riverside County
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Filmmakers: Ingrid Peirce, Matthew Marcade, Gabriela Mora and Alyssa Watson
Advisor: Jacob Fuller
View & Download

Third Place: “The Signs”
San Mateo County
Burlingame High School
Filmmakers: Corbin Rubero and Will Graczewski
Advisor: Steve Erle
View & Download

2020 Regional High School/Youth and Young Adult Winners – Suicide Prevention

Region 1
San Diego, Orange, and Imperial County

* First Place: “An Awkward Conversation” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Orange County
Valencia High School
Filmmakers: Roman Tijerina and Ricky Lopez
Advisor: Rod Boaz
View & Download

Second Place: “By Your Side” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
San Diego County
Rancho Bernardo High School
Filmmakers: Sania Bhatia, Sophia Calcagno, Kate Ahn, Gordon Buck and Cady Mariano
Advisor: Ross Kallen
View & Download

Third Place: “We Never Walk Alone”
San Diego County
Club Elevated
Filmmakers: Cameron Britt, Allie Riley, Bryan Tran, Naya Sanchez, Emma Talia, Nicolas Petruzzelli, Alyssa Ruiz and Kyrielle
Advisor: Stacy Chiles
View & Download

“Stay” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Orange County
La Quinta High School Creative Writing
Filmmakers: Benson Truong, Kimbill Ly, Kenneth Tran, Terry Nguyen, Cattu Do and Johnathan Phan
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“Reach Out”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Zach, Joey Sparacino and Ryan Robinson
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download

“Together”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Megan Beehler, Bryce Rivera, Sam Terreri and Kira Sugihara
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download

“This is Izabella”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Kira Sugihara and Izabella Perkins
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download

“Acoustic”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Regina Catahan
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download

“Reach Out”
Orange County
La Quinta High School Creative Writing
Filmmakers: Michelle Nguyen, Kady Tran, Katherine Pham, Vy Ngo and Julie Tran
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
View & Download

”Knowing the Signs”
Orange County
Santiago High School
Filmmakers: Dillon McCormick, Ever Lopez, Eder Lopez, Daniel Felix and David Franco
Advisor: Tina Heiland
View & Download

”The Gift”
Orange County
Katella High School
Filmmakers: Denise Rodriguez and Valeria Magdaleno
Advisor: Jeff Numainville
View & Download

”A New Hope”
San Diego County
Hilltop Senior High
Filmmakers: Miriam Guerra, Neiva Parra, Christian Castro, Francisco Burgueno, Isabel Garcia and Sara Lozada
Advisor: Louise Williamson
View & Download

”Effects On Others”
San Diego County
Del Norte High School
Filmmakers: Ryan Cerasuolo, John Mai, Chris Khoury, Mykilah Gaston, Madison Fontes and Finley Lamb
Advisor: Douglas Devlin
View & Download

”Reach Out”
San Diego County
Mt. Everest Academy
Filmmakers: Sara Wolfkind and Katriela Cox
Advisor: Eric Nielsen
View & Download

”Effect”
San Diego County
Chula Vista High School
Filmmakers: Elizabeth Andersen Sahl, Analissa Meza, Benjamin Crowley, Lolly Boroff and Mercedes Rockin
Advisor: Jeff Frank
View & Download

Region 2
Riverside and San Bernardino County

* First Place: “Moving Too Fast” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Riverside County
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Filmmakers: Ingrid Peirce, Matthew Marcade, Gabriela Mora and Alyssa Watson
Advisor: Jacob Fuller
View & Download

Second Place: “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay”
San Bernardino County
Apple Valley High School
Filmmaker: Matthew Biendara, Jace Biendara, Angie Biendara and Natalie Biendara
Advisor: Gretchen Peratt
View & Download

Third Place: “One Call Away”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmakers: Olivia Bettencourt and Lexi Tentman
Advisor: Ella Harrison
View & Download

“Mission” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
San Bernardino County
Rim High School
Filmmaker: Danny Lopez, Gabriela Garcia, Catherine Rogers, Cydavia Lee and Adama Hurlbut
Advisor: Kyle Bunyea
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

Fighting the Signs
Riverside County
Desert Mirage High School
Filmmakers: Karen Reynoso, Tammy Torres, Raul Jimenez, Carmen Galvez, and Enrique Mosqueda
Advisor: Derek Ellingson
View & Download

Something Off
Riverside County
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Filmmakers: Felix Eziechile, Catherine Luu, Mark Croteau and Roberto Cornado
Advisor: Jacob Fuller
View & Download

”Fade Away”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmakers: Owen O’Barr and Logan Menchaca
Advisor: Ella Harrison
View & Download

“Pushing Through Life’s Dark Obstacles”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmaker: James Haseltine, Micah Holladay, Mason West, Coda Consiglio and Damian Ruiz
Advisor: Ella Harrison
View & Download

”S For Speak Up Not For Silence”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High school
Filmmakers: Kyana Cook and Zoe Bordes
Advisor: Ella Harrison
View & Download

”Disconnected”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmaker: Caleb Tracy and Gwynnie Wentzel
Advisor: Ella Harrison
View & Download

“Hopeful Home”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley Unified School District
Filmmakers: Madi Patterson, Erika Griffin and Kate Patterson
Advisor: Ella Harrison
View & Download

”S.O.S”
Riverside County
Valley View High School
Filmmakers: Eduardo Mendoza, Blake Sorensen and Ernesto Gonzalez
Advisor: Mr. Lorenz
View & Download

”Tale of Two”
Riverside County
Valley View High School
Filmmakers: William Fuller, Nicolas Castro, Martin Jr Donate and Jorge Ocegueda
Advisor: Chris Lorenz
View & Download

“See Me”
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmaker: Victoria Garcia and Mark Muzquiz
Advisor: Chris Hauk
View & Download

“Realization” Riverside County
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmaker: Akira Miura, Muhammad Oktodinata, Al Stallworth and Isaiah Alvarez
Advisor: Mr. Miura
View & Download

Region 3
Los Angeles County and Tri-City

* First Place: “Sadie’s Coffee” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Los Angeles County
John F. Kennedy Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet High School
Filmmakers: Kate Berumen, Bianca Cruz, Valeria Preciado and Josue Limon
Advisor: Aaron Lemos
View & Download

Second Place (TIED): “Run”
Los Angeles County
John F. Kennedy High School Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet
Filmmakers: Ian and Joshua
Advisor: Aaron Lemos
View & Download

Second Place (TIED): “Choose to Stay”
Los Angeles County
Saugus High School
Filmmakers: Lily Merrick, Marisa Lamas and Savannah Stadtlander
Advisor: Wade Williams
View & Download

Third Place: “Okay”
Los Angeles County
John F. Kennedy High School
Filmmakers: Nikki Santa Cruz and Rosy Vasquez
Advisor: Aaron Lemos
View & Download

”Back to a Better Future” (Team Pick – Advanced to Statewide Judging)
Los Angeles County
Knight High school
Filmmakers: Nevaeh Zaragoza, Juan Amaya, Brooke Steedman and David Morales
Advisor: Fabian Montagut
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

”The Unnoticeable Urgency”
Los Angeles County
Alverno Heights Academy
Filmmakers: Brynn Higdon, Emma Alvarez, Isabella Gonzales, Danielle Campos-Martel, Tatiana Cortes, Auden Harper and Emily Corvalan
Advisor: Susana Capra
View & Download

”With Love You’ll Find Your Way”
Los Angeles County
New West Charter School
Filmmakers: Eli Nissenbaum and Larrieux Ross
Advisor: Stephen Day
View & Download

”Say Something”
Los Angeles County
Hilda Solis Learning Academy
Filmmakers: Mario A. Astorga, Walter Junior Rubio and Anabel Orozco
Advisor: Marisa Moran (James Ng)
View & Download

””Not the Solution””
Los Angeles County
Ramon C. Cortines Visual and Performing Arts
Filmmakers: Olivia Fedida, Sofi Levy, Laurens Chao and Zooey Le-Baker
Advisor: Jorge Caridad
View & Download

”Openness”
Los Angeles County
Leuzinger High School
Filmmakers: Phu Ho, Jason Hoang and Odalys Vazquez
Advisor: Sean Hiller
View & Download

”Losing Focus”
Los Angeles County
Chatsworth Charter High School
Filmmakers: Anthony Cruhlac, Alex Sherman and Gavyn Landicho
Advisor: Suchit Upadhyay
View & Download

”Spotting the signs”
Los Angeles County
Green Design STEAM Academy
Filmmakers: Diana Gandara, Esther Arevalo, Jasmine Martinez Leyva, Rckyia Mitchell and Oprah Diop
Advisor: Oprah Diop
View & Download

”On The Edge of Stress”
Los Angeles County
Saugus News Network
Filmmakers: Sherin Yueksel, Derek Diaz and Parker Long
Advisor: Wade Williams
View & Download

”When I First Noticed”
Los Angeles County
Valor Academy High School
Filmmakers: Sankirth Vutukuri, Valeria Lozano, Valerie Hernandez, Nathaniel Kosoyan, Kaori Sakai and Delia Orozco
Advisor: Mindy Pomper Johnson
View & Download

”Secrets”
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Oscar Jan, Cameron Edeson and Ben Tzobery
Advisor: Sara Hills
View & Download

Region 4
Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, San Francisco, Kern, Kings, Tulare, Inyo, Mono, Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Merced

* First Place (TIED): “The Signs” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
San Mateo County
Burlingame High School
Filmmakers: Corbin Rubero and Will Graczewski
Advisor: Steve Erle
View & Download

* First Place (TIED): “Reach Out” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
San Mateo County
Burlingame High School
Filmmakers: Ryan Kang, Keunho Kim, Kieran Loftis and Owen Vickerman
Advisor: Steve Erle
View & Download

Second Place: “Be Aware”
Monterey County
Notre Dame High School
Filmmakers: Olivia Bakker, Valeria Picazo, Laleina Mercado, and Haley Sanders
Advisor: Kristina Stone
View & Download

Third Place: “A Broken Smile”
Alameda County
Irvington High School
Filmmakers: Angela Quan and Karen Pham
Advisor: Shiloh Burton
View & Download

“Wake Up” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Kings County
School: Lemoore Middle College High School
Filmmakers: Alessandra Tolentino, Lily Jula, Naeryl Ronquillo, Vianna Schneider and Abigail Halsey
Advisor: Sierra Patheal
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“The Tracks”
San Mateo County
San Mateo County Health
Filmmakers: Isabella Gaddini, Robert Giani, Anna Devitis, Amelia Ghilzai and Ben Passion
Advisor: Sylvia Tang
View & Download

“Don’t Throw Your Voice Away”
Alameda County
Irvington High School
Filmmakers: Aaryan Rustagi, Risha Suresh, and Kayla Quach
Advisor: Shiloh Burton
View & Download

“My Friend Jacob”
Contra Costa County
Freedom High School
Filmmakers: Louis Solana, Jhayson Henderson and Corey Sipes
Advisor: Jeff Vargen
View & Download

“Dear Best Friend”
Fresno County
Selma High School
Filmmakers: Kyrene Ponce, Issa Martinez, Tench Gomez and Evony Valencia
Advisor: Frankie Leal
View & Download

“Know the Signs”
Monterey County
Notre Dame High School
Filmmakers: Sydney Weaver, Jasmine Yarema, and Brihtzelle
Advisor: Kristina Stone
View & Download

“Know the Signs”
Kern County
Regional Occupational Center
Filmmakers: Savvy Rodriguez, Marley Breeding, Allen Medellin, and Ryan Ventura
Advisor: Lisa Krch
View & Download

“Suicide Prevention”
Monterey County
Notre Dame Salinas High School
Filmmakers: Xóchitl Leyva, Leilana Herrera, Jaclynn Campbell, Alec Giannini and Tatum Campion
Advisor: Kristina Stone
View & Download

“Suicide Prevention”
San Mateo County
Burlingame High School
Filmmakers: Julia Doherty, Isabella Tabora and Mark Mangano
Advisor: Stephen Erle
View & Download

“Advocate for the Hotline”
Madera County
Kingsview Youth Empowerment Program
Filmmakers: Savannah Saenz, Jabez Maciel, and Viviana Vasquez
Advisor: Alexa Haro
View & Download

“What if…”
Madera County
Madera South High School/ROP CTE Videography
Filmmakers: Brian Montano, Manuel Chaidez and Armando Fernandez
Advisor: Todd McElrath
View & Download

Region 5
Marin, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, Tuolumne, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Calaveras, Amador, Alpine, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, Sierra, Yuba, Sutter, Yolo, Colusa, Butte, Glenn, Plumas, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Tehama, Trinity, Siskiyou, Humboldt, Del Norte

* First Place: “Our Battle” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Vincent Zachary Muñoz and Jesus Chavez-Hernandez
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download

Second Place: “One Call Away”
Placer County
Whitney High School
Filmmakers: Lena Tang, Sam Berg, Hannah Van Der Kamp, Michaela Oh and Salvatore Martinez
Advisor: Ben Barnholdt
View & Download

Third Place: “Overcoming”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley Highschool
Filmmakers: Dylan Hiller, Graham Roady, James Mitchel and Erica Figueroa
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“AMISS”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Nolan Follestad and Lindsay Vantine
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download

“Becoming Me”
Solano County
Sources of Strength
Filmmakers: Madison Hathaway, Isis Iverson, Felicia O’Haver, Mason Donabedian, Milo Wade and Sofia Arroyo
Advisor: Megan Guenther
View & Download

“To: The People I Love”
Placer County
Whitney High School
Filmmakers: Claire Daggett, Annie Hsu, Sarah Young, Michele Smith, Alyssa Young, Gwen Holloway and Selina Mitchell
Advisor: Ben Barnholdt
View & Download

“All Minds Matter”
Placer County
Whitney High School
Filmmakers: Alicia Chiang, Michaela Oh, Allyson Ikeda, Katie Henry, Nicole Cook, Zoe Cook and Alan Desmet
Advisor: Ben Barnholdt
View & Download

“Reach out, Save a life”
Yolo County
DaVinci Charter Academy
Filmmakers: Abigail Allen, Zahra Baxi, Jakob Smith, and Bradly Shaw
Advisor: Brittany Rosenberg
View & Download

“A Melancholy Summer”
Sonoma County
Santa Rosa Junior College
Filmmakers: Sarahi Mendez, Haley Hill, Jonathan Barrios and Meea McMath
Advisor: Jeane Erlenborn
View & Download

“Social Status Interview”
Solano County
Vanden High School
Filmmakers: Alec Azevedo and Jacoby Jordan
Advisor: Brent Manuel
View & Download

“The Way I Feel”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmakers: Tania Brooks, Laila Brooks and Kindra Brooks
Advisor: Brad Clark
View & Download

“A Life Worth Living”
Nevada County
Earle Jamieson Educational Options
Filmmakers: Cody Ketchum, Shawn Farley, Seth Hovland and Kylie Powell
Advisor: Saralyn Crossen
View & Download

“The Least Expected”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Danny Ables and Alexzander Blankenship
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download

“Changed”
Sacramento County
Pleasant Grove High School
Filmmakers: Jessica Noel Araya, Kasiah G. Wilson, Leo Caroline and Kylie Burgess
Advisor: Delaire Doyle
View & Download

“A Symphony of Life and Hope”
Placer County
Whitney High School
Filmmakers: Julia Williams and Hannah Van Der Kamp
Advisor: Ben Barnholdt
View & Download

*****

2020 Regional High School/Youth and Young Adult Winners – Mental Health Matters

Region 1
San Diego, Orange, and Imperial County

* First Place: “Baggage” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Rachael Pollak, Mary Lee, Stella Spindler, Xander Lahti, Keira Feng and Madeline Bills
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download

Second Place: “Origami”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Izabella Perkins and Kira Sugihara
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download

Third Place: “Hidden” (Team Pick- Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Orange County
Arnold O Beckman High School
Filmmakers: Dominick Adunagow, Ryan Chan, Ali Raoufi, Kenneth Adunagow, Haley Nguyen and AJ Marsh
Advisor: Nathan Boice
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“On My Mind”
Imperial County
Southwest High School HOSA
Filmmakers: Lluvia Baez, Maria Lopez, Anahi Ornelas, Jessica Barrios, Cristy Sandoval and Johana Vasquez
Advisor: Jackie Valadez
View & Download

“Losing Interest”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Kate Williams
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download

“Hang On”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Nikki Yar, Ryan Robinson and Bianca Rivera
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download

“Hanging Out”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Regina Catahan, Julian D’Angelo, Sebastian Bermudez and Abigail Rios
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download

“Shackles”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Zoe Lindberg, Colette Tagayun, Cameron Poole, Kourtney Pope and Sean DeFrank
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download

“There is Always Hope”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Augustine Nguyen, Dorna Mohajeri and Audrey Chung
Advisor: Mark Switzer
View & Download

”Helping Hand”
Orange County
Katella High School
Filmmakers: Vanessa Diaz, Aleshia Osborn, Nathan Slevcove, Logan Rodriguez, Fabian Calderon, Angel Rivera and Bill Ho
Advisor: Jeff Numainville
View & Download

”We’ll Be There”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Nicolas Tung and Jason George
Advisor: Mark Switzer
View & Download

“To Help A Friend”
San Diego County
Junipero Serra High School
Filmmakers: Kaiden Phakeokoth and Adriana Watterson
Advisor: Shannon Stracener
View & Download

“Don’t Wait”
San Diego County
Torrey Pines High School
Filmmakers: Lily Wickham, Grace Smith, Baila Thompson, Mirabel Hunt, Andre Jabbour and Rachel Riddle
Advisor: Jeffrey Owen
View & Download

“Pop the pressure”
San Diego County
Torrey Pines High School
Filmmakers: Kendra Banks, BriAnn Raduenz, Kashvii Vaistra, Joshua Gataric and Nick Salz
Advisor: Jefffrey Owen
View & Download

“A Little Bit of Light”
San Diego County
Mt. Carmel High School Peer Counseling
Filmmakers: Safia Hasan, Chloe Johnston, Paige Johnston, Maddie Landress, Jessica Harris, Adrian Adib and Hadeel Daoud
Advisor: Sheila Hatfield
View & Download

Region 2
Riverside and San Bernardino County

* First Place: “Conflicting Currents” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmakers: Jeremiah Andrade, Josh McConnell, Gavin DeLacruz and Luciano Aldana
Advisor: James Miura
View & Download

Second Place: “Stronger Together”
Riverside County
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Filmmaker: Raul Chavez, Esha Jacob, and Dylan Shifflet
Advisor: Jacob Fuller
View & Download

Third Place: ”The Gift of Life”
San Bernardino County
Upland High school
Filmmakers: Malaika Lambert & Maritza Pastrana
Advisor: James Miura
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

”Battling Obscurity”
Riverside County
Desert Mirage High School
Filmmakers: Briceida Felix, Evelyn Garcia, Maximiliano Torres, Adrian Franco, Manuel Nunez and Moises Sanchez
Advisor: Derek Ellingson
View & Download

”You Can”
Riverside County
Great Oak High school
Filmmakers: Megan Arendt, Grant Clare, Alana Diaz, and Shane Vest
Advisor: Andrew Huff
View & Download

”There Is Always Hope”
Riverside County
King High School
Filmmakers: Tiffany Billman and Justin Barschdorf
Advisor: Jamal Gerren
View & Download

”The Many Faces of One”
Riverside County
La Sierra University
Filmmakers: Azucena Chavez
Advisor: Carrie Specht
View & Download

”That Was The Day”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmakers: Christina Batte
Advisor: Ella Harrison
View & Download

”There’s Just Been A Lot Going On Recently”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmakers: Daniel Perry, Austin Nelson, Wesley Burton, Hudson Brower, Kate Balandran and Ashely Eyers
Advisor: Ella Harrison
View & Download

”The Escape”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmakers: Kasaya Christianson, Chris Christianson and Becky Christianson
Advisor: Ella Harrison
View & Download

”We’re Superheroes”
Riverside County
SIATech Perris
Filmmakers: Shira Parker, Rachel Robledo, Breana Llaguno and Alana Renteria
Advisor: Bobbie Arterberry III
View & Download

”One Call Away”
Riverside County
Vista Del Lago Health Academy
Filmmakers: Keira Mwendwa and Andres Palomares
Advisor: Mrs. Castillo
View & Download

”Perception”
San Bernardino County
A.B. Miller High School
Filmmakers: Aaron Ruiz, Gisselle Gonzalez, Kareem Shaker, Anahi Servin and Mariana Stopani
Advisor: Leonardo Rivas
View & Download

”Journey to Discuss”
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmakers: Ciera Sherod, Jonathan Park and Hussein Harb
Advisor: James Miura
View & Download

”Little Voices”
San Bernardino County
Los Osos High School
Filmmakers: Amnaa Taha, Maddie Whalen and Bianca Macasaet
Advisor: Matthew Tawney
View & Download

Region 3
Los Angeles County and Tri-City

* First Place: “I Am Me” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Eli Kupetz, Jenna Gossett, Ryley Swift and Gabriel Herrera
Advisor: Sara Hills
View & Download

Second Place: “Together We Matter” (Team Pick- Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
The School of Arts And Enterprise
Filmmakers: Andrew Magana, Angel Cruz, Seth Corwin, Ashley Moreno, Victor Tessier, Jasmin Camacho, Jessica Garcia, Josh Juarez, Susana Garcia and Andrew Asebedo
Advisor: Ryan Metzler
View & Download

Third Place: “Restless”
Los Angeles County
Warren High School
Filmmakers: Israel Alvarez, Kenia Gonzalez, Ivan Gamez and Keira Znika
Advisor: Jared Nelson
View & Download

“Hashiru” (Team Pick- Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Los Angeles County
Warren High School
Filmmakers: Andrew Stratton, Ruben Mendoza and Daniel Sanchez
Advisor: Jared Nelson
View & Download

“Abbreviated Soliloquies” (Team Pick- Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Los Angeles County
Ghetto Film School
Filmmakers: Julia Song
Advisor: Elizabeth Kim
View & Download

“The Ropes of Mental Health” (Team Pick- Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Los Angeles County
Saugus High School
Filmmakers: Max Vezzali, Mike Sheerer, and Elijah Mims
Advisor: Wade E. Williams
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“You Deserve Happiness”
Los Angeles County
Da Vinci Design High School
Filmmakers: Alana Faust, Ashanti Bracken, Amir Morris and Joshua Newman
Advisor: Erin Naymark
View & Download

“A Letter to Myself”
Los Angeles County
Alverno Heights Academy
Filmmakers: Janet Maza and Josie Beltran
Advisor: Susana Capra
View & Download

”R U GOOD?”
Los Angeles County
Central High School
Filmmaker: Emanuel Ceballos, Jose Soria, Denisse Zavala, James Chavez, Kiara Perez, David Bonilla and Edwin Sanchez
Advisor: Denise Gaberman
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”Should I?”
Los Angeles County
New West Charter High School
Filmmakers: Stella Raymond, Sara Gonzalez and Tess Carlson
Advisor: Stephen Day
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“Not Just In Your Head”
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Sophia Spencer, Katie McGruder, Faris Banihani and Sarah Pino
Advisor: Sara Hills
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“Missing Piece”
Los Angeles County
Warren High School
Filmmakers: Sarah Ramirez, Dominik Carreon, Marilyn Rojas, Vincent Mancillas and Alysa Franco
Advisor: Jared Nelson
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“You Are Not Alone”
Los Angeles County
Valor Academy High School
Filmmakers: Chelsea Cornejo, Yvonne Blanco and Kimberly Tzun
Advisor: Mindy Pomper-Johnson
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“Help Is Out There”
Los Angeles County
Saugus High School
Filmmakers: Ciera Bennett, Kirana O’Rourke and Layla Gilstrap
Advisor: Wade Williams
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“Can We Talk?”
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Dillon Leslie, Max Sanders, Vaughn Wilbur, Tatyana Locklin and Luna Rodriguez
Advisor: Sara Hills
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Region 4
Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, San Francisco, Kern, Kings, Tulare, Inyo, Mono, Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Merced

* First Place: “Dear Dad” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Alameda County
Irvington High School
Filmmakers: Anya Prakash and Sanvi Syal
Advisor: Shiloh Burton
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Second Place: “The Beauty of Mental Health”
San Mateo County
Hillsdale High School
Filmmakers: Beatrice Hackman, Sydney Lee, Emily Schneider, Amy Candler and Zaira Adrianwala
Advisor: Allison Gamlen
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Third Place: “Fight to See the Light”
Ventura County
Career Education Center – Moorpark Site
Filmmakers: Briana Pulliam, Makayla Alvary, Alina Baquar, Vanessa Barraza, Emmie Lochananond, Stephanie Martinez, Paige Pool, Zoe Topolcsik, Madison Wishner and Sarah Zavala
Advisor: Irene Ornelas
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Honorable Mentions

“Mental Health Matters”
Monterey County
Notre dame high school
Filmmakers: Gabriela Zendejas, Samantha Rey, Brianna and Haley Sanders
Advisor: Mrs. Stone
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“Speechless”
Kern County
Regional Occupational Center
Filmmakers: Presley Foster, Ethan Tapia and Damian Perez
Advisor: Lisa Krch
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“Crescendo”
Alameda County
Irvington High School
Filmmakers: Julianna Nepomuceno and Natalia Tehrani
Advisor: Shiloh Burton
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“Stand Up; Speak Up”
Alameda County
Mission San Jose High School
Filmmakers: Karena Chen, Christina Wang and Kayla Chen
Advisor: Chelbert Dai
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“The Door”
Contra Costa County
Salesian College Preparatory
Filmmakers: Carlos Cruz, Jalen Santos, Cailah Concon, Satchel Greene and Ysabel Alacce
Advisor: Janet O’Hair
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“Step by Step”
Contra Costa County
Las Lomas
Filmmakers: Martin Valbuena, Alexis Hodgson and Sara Valbuena
Advisor: Lisa Rigisich
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“Mental Health Matters”
Fresno County
Coalinga High School
Filmmakers: Carlos Lucero
Advisor: Tom Lucero
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“Mental Health Matters”
Fresno County
California State University, Fresno
Filmmakers: Ashley Carter
Advisor: Nancy Van Leuven
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“Conversation”
San Mateo County
Burlingame High School
Filmmakers: Margot Bender, Francesca Ty, Sophia Kamenov, Will Graczewski, Max Alvira, Cole Fletchall-Silva and Corbin Rubero
Advisor: Steve Erle
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“Bedridden”
San Luis Obispo County
Morro Bay High
Filmmakers: Leanne Kim Nguyen and Kaden Czach
Advisor: Meredith Haener
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“Know the signs”
Fresno County
Clovis East High School
Filmmakers: Devin, Delyla Ybarra and Caleb Calderone
Advisor: Derrick Davis
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Region 5
Marin, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, Tuolumne, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Calaveras, Amador, Alpine, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, Sierra, Yuba, Sutter, Yolo, Colusa, Butte, Glenn, Plumas, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Tehama, Trinity, Siskiyou, Humboldt, Del Norte

* First Place: “Reach” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmakers: Raymond Wang, Michelle Escudero, Benjamin Wong and Isadora Pham
Advisor: Brad Clark
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Second Place: “Let Go”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Nathaniel Weliver and Eric Vue
Advisor: Michael Peck
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Third Place (TIED): “Mental Amity”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Keeran Isaac and Tyrez Abrams
Advisor: Michael Peck
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Third Place (TIED): “The Driver’s Seat”
Placer County
Whitney High School
Filmmakers: Olivia de Lamadrid, Koraleigh Pinaula-Toves and Taylor Gallardo
Advisor: Ben Barnholdt
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Honorable Mentions

“Show The World Who You Are”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Diego SanPaolo and Alex Longcor
Advisor: Michael Peck
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“A Conversation”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Taylor King and Matthew Wagner
Advisor: Michael Peck
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“The Final Round”
Placer County
Whitney High School
Filmmakers: Julia Ruccione, Natalie Hickman, Tatum DeZorzi, Maggie Brodie, Chase Freeman and Gerrit Brodie
Advisor: Ben Barnholdt
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“Glass Half Full”
Placer County
Whitney High School
Filmmakers: Sarah Young, Madison McAdam and Jaelyn Jochims
Advisor: Benjamin Barnholdt
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“Finding the Light”
Sacramento County
Elk Grove High School
Filmmaker: Mandie Doan, Sophia Livingston, Reigyna Martin, Claire O’Sullivan, Kayle Lemons, Claire Martin and Renee Chatto
Advisor: Jennifer Moore
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“Through the Screen”
Sacramento County
Elk Grove High School
Filmmaker: Wynter Gorre-Clancy, Nathan Hur, Chloe Mcpherson and Owen Scaramastro
Advisor: Jennifer Moore
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“Taking Steps”
San Joaquin County
John C Kimball High School
Filmmaker: Dylan Hendricks, Krishna Patel, Spencer Lahti and Yaseen Eltayeb
Advisor: Melissa Burkert
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“Get Well Soon”
San Joaquin County
John C Kimball High School
Filmmakers: Jordan Kirby, Augusto Aguilar and Brenden Goddard
Advisor: Melissa Burkert
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“Small Things”
Siskiyou County
Golden Eagle Charter School
Filmmakers: Isaiah Chrisman, Charlie Stratos and Haley Davis
Advisor: Heather Schneider
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“On the Trail of Life”
Solano County
Vanden High School
Filmmakers: Jasmine Joseph, Mitchell Provencher and Selena Chiles
Advisor: Brent Manuel
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“My mask”
Yolo County
Da Vinci Charter Academy
Filmmakers: Garrett Milner, Benjamin Silver, Kendall Ireland-Tran and Nico Skow
Advisor: Brittany Rosenberg
View & Download

****

2020 Through the Lens of Culture – Suicide Prevention

* First Place: “Our Story” (Recognized at Award Ceremony)
San Bernardino County
Summit High School
Filmmakers: Nicole Quinonez-Frias
Advisor: Artie Casas
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
A girl shares her struggles with depression and the feelings of not being able to talk about it in the latino culture. She feels embarrassed and ashamed and afraid of disappointing her family. She realizes her story can’t end there and reaches out for help.
Una señorita habla de su batalla con la depresión en la cultura latina. Comparte sentimientos de no poder hablar con su familia por miedo de desilucionarlos. Se da cuenta que su historia no puede terminar ahí.
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Second Place: “Family”
Alameda County
Irvington High School
Filmmakers: Kexin Li and Vivian Liu
Advisor: Shiloh Burton
Language: Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles
A Chinese girl describes the cultural pressures of not being able to choose her own path and the strain it has on the relationship with her mother. Her mother realizes her daughter is struggling because of it and reaches out to her.
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Third Place: “Love Wins”
Fresno County
Clovis East High School
Filmmakers: Graciela Vargas
Advisor: Derrick Davis
LQBTQ students communicate the importance of reaching out and seeking help, that you are not alone.
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Fourth Place: “It Takes Time”
Los Angeles County
James Monroe High School
Filmmakers: Nahelly Lopez Cardoza, Johan Gonzalez Alvarenga and Gisel Garcia
Advisor: Jason Hayes
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
A Guatemalan girl shares her struggles of having experienced sexual abuse and the effect it had on her life years later. She wanted the suffering to stop but then realized there is always hope and someone who cares.
Una niña de Guatemala habla de haber sufrido abuso sexual y los effectos que seguian anos despues. Nadamas queria terminar con el sufrimiento hasta que se dio cuenta que siempre hay esperanza y alguien quien te puede ayudar.
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Fifth Place: “Me is You”
Fresno County
Clovis East High School
Filmmakers: Keng Xiong
Advisor: Derrick Davis
Language: Hmong with English subtitles
A Hmong boy tells his story of depression and encourages viewers to move forward and seek help.
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2020 Through the Lens of Culture – Mental Health Matters

* First Place: “You are You” (Recognized at Award Ceremony)
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmakers: Benjamin Wong, Raymond Wang, Emily Cho and Michelle Escudero
Advisor: Brad Clark
Language: Various Asian languages with English subtitles
Students from different asian cultures speak to the stigma and pressure surrounding mental health and encourage viewers to reach out for help.
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Second Place (TIED): “Los Hombres No Lloran”
San Bernardino County
Healthy RC Youth Leaders
Filmmakers: Michael Alonso, Chase Collins, Takbir Rahman, Wyatt Herrold, Ryan Fulton, Zonyea Redd, Caterina Marji, Natalie Masachi, Taylor Villanueva and Karla Villanueva
Advisor: Joanna Marrufo
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
A boy in a boxing match tells the struggles of being a man in the latin culture where sharing feelings and showing signs of weakness are not allowed. He realizes it is ok to take off his gloves to be brave and show vulnerability.
Un joven en una pelea de box habla sobre la presión de ser hombre en la cultura latino. Ser hombre significa no enseñar las emociones y ser débil no está permitido. Se da cuenta que es hora de quitarse los guantes, ser valiente y demostrar vulnerabilidad.
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Second Place (TIED): “El Silencio Interior”
Los Angeles County
Warren High School
Filmmakers: Wendy Obispo and Leslie Gomez
Advisor: Jared Nelson
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
A girl shares the strength of her family and their background which makes her feel like she cannot share her emotions and struggles. She feels trapped and unable to express her feelings and encourages viewers to speak up and not fall into the silence of cultural pressures.
Una niña habla sobre su familia religiosa y trabajador que no se rinden y siguen luchando a pesar de la oscuridad en la vida. Por eso siente que no puede hablar de sus sentimientos con su familia. Manda el mensaje de romper el estigma y no dejar que tu voz sea domesticado al silencio.
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Third Place (TIED): “I Want You To Know That…”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmakers: Eve Liu, Jasmine Pan and Olivia Feng
Advisor: Ella Harrison
An international student sends the message that everyone can feel stressed, lonely, depressed, or anxious. She encourages viewers to reach out.
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Third Place (TIED): “We Don’t Do That”
Solano County
Vanden High School
Filmmakers: Olivia Bishop
Advisor: Brent Manuel
This film addresses the challenges African Americans face with cultural expectations and not expressing mental health struggles.
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Fourth Place: “Mental Health and Nigerian Culture”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmakers: Ezinne Okonkwo, Dideoluwa Ogunwale and Hannah Vecchione
Advisor: Brad Clark
A teen shares her struggles with cultural pressures to do well in school from Nigerian immigrant parents. She learns with the help of friends that she is not alone with her mental health and is inspired to change the stigma surrounding mental health in her culture.
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Fifth Place: “Our Words/Nuestras Palabras”
Los Angeles County
Hilda Solis Learning Academy
Filmmakers: Esdras Medina, Camila Cardenas Lopez, Allisson Saavedra, Miguel Lopez, Christopher Corral, Carlos D. Aguilar, Yiret Solis, Dara Dayane Lopez Mendez, Angel Gordillo and Angel Maurillo Gonzalez
Advisor: James Ng
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
This film shows a group of friends that come from different walks of life and relays the message that although life can be hard sometimes and we all have our own struggles, taking care of our own mental health is a priority. Viewers are reminded we don’t have to be alone and are directed towards the national suicide prevention lifeline.
Este video demuestra un grupo de amigos en que todos tienen sus propios historias. Aunque a veces la vida es dura y todos tenemos nuestros batallas, cuidando de nuestro salud mental es prioridad y no lo tenemos que hacer solos. Se da información sobre un sitio web y teléfono para buscar ayuda.
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“Home”
Los Angeles County
Warren High School
Filmmakers: Christopher Carrillo, Elbert Sarat, David Avila, John Robert, Johnny Camacho, Luis Galindo and Axel Juarez
Advisor: Jared Nelson
A Jehovah Witness teenager describes his struggles with feeling alone, disconnected and isolated compared to others. He realizes others may be experiencing the same feelings for different reasons and finds support to find his feeling of home.
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”Son Reales”
Los Angeles County
International Studies Learning Center
Filmmakers: Ahtziri Holguin, Maritza De La Rosa, Sofia, Valerie Del Real and Estevan Cortez
Advisor: Lisa Ramirez
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Teenage life is hard and the family pressure to be perfect students can create feelings of being alone. But we are not alone. Viewers are encouraged not to ignore or be ashamed of their feelings and to reach out for help.
La vida de los adolescentes es difícil y la presión de la familia para ser un estudiante perfecto puede causar sentimientos de estar solo. Pero no estamos solos. Este video comunica un mensaje de no ignorar ni sentir pena por los sentimientos y buscar ayuda.
View & Download

“A Life With OCD”
Los Angeles County
Sierra Vista High School
Filmmakers: Charlize Althea Garcia, Juan Cornejo Jr., Lizett Garcia, Sarah Orozco, Emma Marie Arteaga, Jose Andres Baeza, Isabel Morales
Advisor: Jenna Guerrero
English and Spanish with English subtitles
A teen shares her experience of living with OCD and the cultural pressure of not being able to share it with her family. She worries people won’t understand until she realizes she is not alone and decides to face her struggles.
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”Culture Doesn’t Define Me”
Orange County
La Quinta HS NAMI On Campus
Filmmakers: Karen Nguyen, Kathleen Nguyen, Michelle Lee, Jane Le, Titania Le , Gina Ngo, Cindy Pham, Kelsy Hua and Andrea Tran
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
Language: English and Vietnamese with English subtitles
A student is confronted about her grades by her mom and feels the cultural pressure of needing to be perfect and keeping her mental health struggles to herself. She realizes she is not alone and holds up the green ribbon as she encourages viewers to reach out.
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”I Love My Culture”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Kevin Ngo and Ashley Hall
Advisor: Michael Peck
A boy shares the positive aspects of his culture while also sharing the pressures of keeping emotions hidden and not asking for help. He encourages viewers to visit the EachMindMatters website.
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”I’m Here for You”
Fresno County
Buchanan High School
Filmmakers: Delany Davis and David Angulo
Advisor: Daniel Pearce
Language: Punjabi and English with English subtitles
A teen opens up to her sister about needing help and at first is not received with a supportive response, but later her sister changes her mind and chooses to help her sister.
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”Let’s Pray”
Los Angeles County
Green Design STEAM Academy
Filmmakers: Ashley Farias and Mariela Garay
Advisor: Oprah Diop
Language: English and Spanish with English subtitles
A teen shares feelings of anxiety with her mom who dismisses her feelings, telling her everything will be ok. Later, the girl’s sister shares resources with her.
View & Download

****

2020 SanaMente Winners

* First Place: “Del Barrio” (Recognized at Award Ceremony)
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
The School of Arts And Enterprise
Filmmaker: Jesse Marquez Jr., Dario Alatorre, Julian Valdez, and Kenny Marquez
Advisor: Mr. Ryan Metzler
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
A boy struggles with a lack of family support and connection until he finds SanaMente and is able to find the right path.
Un nino batalla con la falta de apoyo y conexión con su familia hasta que encuentra el sitio web de SanaMente y encuentra su camino.
View & Download

Second Place: “Preguntas”
Los Angeles County
Clark Magnet High School
Filmmakers: Sophie Peineke, Parvaneh Motallebi, and Anne Reinhard
Advisor: Joshua Bishop
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
A girl is feeling overwhelmed and is unsure about talking to her family about it so she asks a teacher for help. The teacher shows the student the SanaMente website and encourages her to talk to her family.
Una niña se siente agobiada y no cree que puede hablar con su familia sobre la tema. Entonces confía en una maestra quien le enseña el sitio web de SanaMente y le anima a hablar con su familia.
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Third Place: “Mi Angelito”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmakers: Samantha Duarte, Aidan Duarte, and Marisol Garcia
Advisor: Ella Harrison
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
A girl notices her brother is struggling and reaches out to help him. He turns to his family for support and realizes he’s not alone.
Una niña se fija que su hermano está batallando y le ayuda a hablar con su familia para recibir apoyo. Su familia le ayuda y se da cuenta que no está solo.
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SanaMente Honorable Mentions

“Salud Mental”
Orange County
Katella High School
Filmmaker: Jaqueline Lujan, and Andrea Solis
Advisor: Jeff Numainville
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Mental health is just as important to care for as our physical health. Sometimes talking about our feelings in the latino community is hard, but we can all do something to help ourselves or others.
La salud mental es igual de importante de cuidar que nuestra salud física. A veces hablar de nuestros sentimientos es difícil, especialmente en la comunidad latina, pero todos podemos hacer algo para ayudarnos a nosotros mismos o a los demás.
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“Our Time/Nuestro Tiempo”
Los Angeles County
Hilda Solis Learning Academy
Filmmakers: Camila Cardenas Lopez, Miguel Lopez, Bryan Antonio Campos, Bryan David Xon Macario, Marlen Carcamo, Esdras Median, Christopher Corral, and Carlos Aguilar
Advisor: James Ng
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Students are filmed looking at the camera to connect with the viewer, sending the message that everyone matters.
Este video comunica la importancia de cuidar de la salud mental, porque todos somos importantes, porque tú importas.
View & Download

“No Estas Solo, Hay Ayuda”
Solano County
Vanden High School
Filmmaker: Francisco Mroeno, Marie Moreno, Rosalina Vazquez, and Alejandro Moreno
Advisor: Brent Manuel
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
A boy struggles with depression and finds he is unable to find the solution until his family helps him find the SanaMente website.
Un nino batalla con depresión y descubre que él solo no puede encontrar una solución hasta que su familia le ayuda encontrar el sitio web de SanaMente.
View & Download

“Debajo de Todo”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmaker: Alexia Salazar
Advisor: Ella Harrison
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
A girl struggles with depression and her parents want her to hide it. She decides to find help and discovers SanaMente which helps her open up and be strong.
Una niña batalla con depresión y sus papas quieren que lo oculta. Ella decida buscar ayuda y descubre el sitio web de SanaMente que le ayuda hablar de sus problemas y ser fuerte.
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“Primera Generacion”
Orange County
Learn4Life Innovation High School
Filmmakers: Grace Feliciano
Advisor: Marla del Rosario
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
A girl is feeling pressured and struggling with anxiety from being the first in her family to get an education. She found help on the SanaMente website.
Una niña se siente presionada y esta batallando con ansiedad de ser la primera en su familia a recibir una educación. Encuentra ayuda en el sitio de SanaMente.
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“SanaMente Film”
San Diego County
Serra High School
Filmmaker: Angela Sanchez
Advisor: Shannon Stracener
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
This film communicates a positive message that you are not alone, to reach out for help when needed.
Este video comunica el mensaje positivo que no estas solo, que hay que buscar ayuda cuando lo necesitas.
View & Download

“Es Mejor Buscar Ayuda”
Kern County
Cesar E. Chavez High School
Filmmakers: Paola Garcia
Advisor: Rosemarie Dao
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
A girl is struggling until she realizes reaching out for help and talking about her problems with loved ones is the support she needs.
Una niña batalla hasta que se da cuenta que el buscar ayuda y hablar de sus problemas con sus seres queridos es el apoyo que necesita.
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“Tenemos Que Hablar”
Imperial County
Southwest High School HOSA
Filmmakers: Michael Zabala, Lance Cochran, Sara Verdugo, Alejandra Moren, Jaely Carvajal, and Naomi Hernandez
Advisor: Jackie Valadez
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Sometimes we push others away when struggling with different emotions, but the best thing to do is bring them closer and share our feelings.
A veces alejamos a los demás cuando estamos batallando con diferentes emociones, pero lo mejor que podemos hacer es acercarnos y compartir nuestros sentimientos.
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“Tristeza”
Los Angeles County
Green Design STEAM Academy
Filmmakers: Jordi Gutierrez, Yenifer Abad, Megan Vazquez, and Yadhira Viramontes
Advisor: Oprah Diop
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
A girl is sad and depressed and realizes she must reach out for help on her own.
Una niña esta triste y deprimida y se da cuenta que necesita buscar ayuda para ayudarse a sí misma.
View & Download

“La Vida/Mi Mente”
Los Angeles County
Alverno Heights Academy
Filmmaker: Isabella Gonzales, Melanie Luquin, Annabella Larson, and Amia Alvarez
Advisor: Sue Capra
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
A girl struggles with depression and feelings of not belonging when a friend notices something is wrong and reaches out to help her.
Una niña batalla con depresión y sentimientos de no pertenecer cuando una amiga se da cuenta que algo está mal y le ayuda.
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“No Le Temas a ADHD”
San Diego County
Del Norte
Filmmaker: Laeli Gordon, Tate Cerasoli, Abdiel Velasco, and Madison Fontes
Advisor: Douglas Devlin
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
A student struggles with ADHD, feeling ashamed about it until she reaches out to talk about it and for help.
Un estudiante batalla con el ADHD, sintiéndose apenada hasta que decide hablarlo y buscar ayuda.
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“La Familia es Todo”
Fresno County
Buchanan High School
Filmmaker: Delany Davis, David Angulo
Advisor: Daniel Pearce
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
A family supports and helps a young girl as ‘family is everything’.
Una familia apoya y ayuda a una niña como ‘la familia es todo’.
View & Download

“Speak Up/Alza Tu Voz”
Los Angeles County
Hilda Solis Learning Academy
Filmmakers: Alexis Herandez, Jaun Moreno, Abraham Martir, Yiret Solis, Evelyn Ramirez, and Giovanni Burgos
Advisor: James Ng
Language: Spanish
A student is isolated from the group and a friend reaches out to help him.
Un estudiante está aislado del grupo y un amigo le ofrece ayuda.
View & Download

****

2020 Animated Short Winners

* First Place: “Audience of One” (Recognized at Award Ceremony)
Orange County
La Quinta High School Creative Writing
Filmmaker: Keanu Hua, Brian Ly, Kayla Nguyen and Alexa Wright
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
View & Download

Second Place: “Notice The Signs”
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmaker: Sarah Chu
Advisor: James Miura
View & Download

Third Place (TIED): “Fill the Bucket!”
Alameda County
Irvington High School
Filmmakers: Alisha Shah
Advisor: Shiloh Burton
View & Download

Third Place (TIED): “Flying in Color”
Alameda County
Irvington High School
Filmmaker: Grace W. Yin
Advisor: Shiloh Burton
View & Download

Fourth Place: “Friend in Need”
Los Angeles County
San Marino High School
Filmmakers: Jaden K. Mena and Sophie Fleming
Advisor: Robbin McCulloch
View & Download

Fifth Place: “The Weights and the Ink”
San Bernardino County
Encore High School Hesperia For The Arts
Filmmakers: Nora Salah
Advisor: Joshua Barkdull
View & Download

Animated Short Honorable Mention

“Fish Bowl”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmakers: Madelyn Collins
Advisor: Brad Clark
View & Download

“Signs”
San Luis Obispo County
Morro Bay High School
Filmmaker: Sarah Weston
Advisor: Meredith Haener
View & Download

“Find the Words”
Fresno County
California State University, Fresno (Fresno State)
Filmmaker: Joanna Mariano
Advisor: Nancy Van Leuven
View & Download

”Never Forsaken”
Alameda County
Irvington High School
Filmmaker: Maxwell Hong
Advisor: Shiloh Burton
View & Download

“You’re Not Alone”
Monterey County
Notre Dame High School
Filmmaker: Hannah Nicole Dickman and Maria Lagana
Advisor: Kristina Stone
View & Download

“You Are Not Alone”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmaker: Brianna Oliverio and Jacob Hereford
Advisor: Ella Harrison
View & Download

“Cloudy Days”
Sacramento County
Franklin high School
Filmmaker: Gabriel Berumen
Advisor Name: Brad Clark
View & Download

“Shadows”
San Bernardino County
Apple Valley High School
Filmmaker: Angelina Arias
Advisor: Gretchen Peratt
View & Download

“Turn Around”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmaker: Harmony Xiong
Advisor: Brad Clark
View & Download

“Know the Signs”
Kern County
Cesar E. Chavez High School
Filmmakers: Jylen Paraiso
Advisor: Rosemarie Dao
View & Download

“Overflow”
Yolo County
Da Vinci Charter Academy
Filmmaker: Alyssa Lozano, Lorelei Krebs, Noah Chambers and Shaun E
Advisor: Brittany Rosenberg
View & Download

“Flares and Mazes”
Orange County
Fullerton College
Filmmakers: Daniel Arevalo
Advisor: Jon-Michael Hattabaugh
View & Download

“SIGNS.exe”
San Diego County
Serra High School
Filmmakers: Oliviah Weissman
Advisor: Shannon Stracener
View & Download

“Hero’s Journey”
Sacramento County
Elk Grove High School
Filmmakers: Ivan Benedychuk
Advisor: Jennifer Moore
View & Download

***
2020 Walk in Our Shoes – The Superhero in Each of Us- Winners
* First Place: “Windows” (Recognized at Award Ceremony)
San Diego County
Rancho Minerva Middle School
Filmmakers: Brandon Burton, Katee Martinez, Karla Perez and Jacqueline Ortega
Advisor: Beth Duncan
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Second Place: “Not What It Seems”
Los Angeles County
Palms Middle School
Filmmakers: Emma Walter, Cora Iiams, Saleida Miguez, and Luna Wicks
Advisor: Mrs. Irene Clark
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Third Place: “Sympathetic Steps”
San Diego County
Hawking STEAM Charter School 2
Filmmakers: Daniel Quemado, Mikey Soto, Uriel Esquier, Oscar Dominguez, Aaron Marciel, Joshua Ducharme and Liliana Moreno
Advisor: Joshua Ducharme
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2020 Walk in Our Shoes – The Superhero in Each of Us – Honorable Mention

“Taped”
San Diego County
Hawking STEAM Charter School 2
Filmmakers: Gianna Oliveras, Daniel Vera, Christian Rodriguez, Mia Cardenas and Xienna Avila
Advisor: Joshua Ducharme
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“Lifeline”
San Diego County
Hawking STEAM Charter School 2
Filmmakers: Antonio Morales, Hector Alcantar, Liam Ruiz and Sophia Bojorquez Garcia
Advisor: Joshua Ducharme
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“A Helping Hand”
San Diego County
Wilson Middle School
Filmmakers: Khang Phan, Rosendo Rodriguez Garcia, Nayla Lopez and Diana Lopez
Advisor: Khamphet Pease
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“Cerebral Poison”
San Diego County
Hawking STEAM Charter School 2
Filmmakers: Eric Carbajal, Aiden Marbury, Yohan Tec and Jesus Lemus
Advisor: Joshua Ducharme
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“Alone In This World”
Los Angeles County
Belvedere Middle School
Filmmakers: Ashley Carranza, Janelle Quintero, Joceline Cruz and David Garcia
Advisor: Jorge Chia
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“You’ll Always Have a Friend”
Los Angeles County
Bret Harte Preparatory Middle School
Filmmakers: Carolina Viera, Sorayda Escalante, Mareli Doroteo, Ashley Marin, Tylynn Pitts, Lena Hurth, Jazzmyn Moore and Christian Tecuanhuey
Advisor: Ms. Varis and Mr. Graham
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“Looking Within”
Kern County
Norris Middle School
Filmmakers: Jelitza Tapia, Ashlynn Beath, Samantha VanDyke, Celeste Magallon, Xanthe Knapp, Andrew Trotter, Nader Algumaee and Dallin Crawford
Advisor: Deanna Patterson
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“Walking in Shoes of Depression”
Fresno County
Kings View
Filmmakers: Aileen Aviles, Mikayla Villareal, Zoey Rodriguez, Janna Phaphon and Arianna Xiong
Advisor: Darlene Valadez
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“Reaching Out”
Los Angeles County
Belvedere Middle School
Filmmakers: Samantha Castaneda, Tania Lopez, Beyonce Velez and Odalys Castillo
Advisor: Jorge Chia
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“Mental Wellness”
San Diego County
Wilson Middle School
Filmmakers: Jesus Ledezma, Diego Hernandez and Josue
Advisor: Khamphet Pease
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“Can I Help?”
Los Angeles County
Richard L. Graves Middle School
Filmmakers: Nestor Macias, Daniel Bernal and David Castillo
Advisor: Mrs. Fravien
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“The Paintbrush”
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Mountain View Elementary School
Filmmakers: Victoria Resendiz, Danni Gutierrez and Alexandria Bermudez
Advisor: Jacqueline McElvy
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2020 Walk in Our Shoes – What is Mental Health Winners

* First Place: “Make Your Mark” (Recognized at Award Ceremony)
Riverside County
David A Brown Middle School
Filmmakers: Jazmine Carillo, Natasha Powers, Jocelyn Pacheco, Tiffany Bravo, Casandra Viscarra and Crista Kerr
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
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Second Place: “Saving a Friend”
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Mountain View Elementary School
Filmmakers: Alex Gonzales, Danny Vu, Julian Valverde and Paul Rosa
Advisor: Jacqueline McElvy
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Third Place: “My Life”
Riverside County
Mountain View Middle School
Filmmakers: Ruben Martinez
Advisor: Noal Garrett
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2020 Walk in Our Shoes – What is Mental Health – Honorable Mention

“How to Help a Friend in Need”
Orange County
Whitaker Elementary School
Filmmakers: TEAM/Members will be Anonymous
Advisor: Megan Vanderwest
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“Step Into My Shoes”
Marin County
Davidson Middle School
Filmmakers: Lovina Riley, Scarlett Greenwood, Katherine Tsang, Max Gatewood, Hunter Nygard, Gabi Gongora-Moriarty, Maissam Alouachiche, Daisy Mendez, Alice Guadagnoli, Sophie Mercer, Malisa Ng, Elijah Blake, Jeff Camacho, Zaibeth Briceno, Jackson Johanson, Isabella Dodson, Yesleny Alvarez
Advisor: Meghan Greenwood
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“Your Voice Can Make A Change”
San Diego County
Wilson Middle School
Filmmakers: Belen Pacheco, Nadia Dominguez, Elaina wiltjer and Khamphet Pease
Advisor: Khamphet Pease
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“Self Care”
Los Angeles County
Charles T. Kranz Intermediate
Filmmakers: Ashley Erazo, Elva Hernandez, Scarlett Moreno and Skylar Hernandez
Advisor: Camille Osburn
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“Anxiety”
Los Angeles County
Palms Middle School
Filmmakers: Aleksandra Kaminer, Guadalupe Hernandez and Audry Campbell
Advisor: Mrs. Irene Clark
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“Mental Health”
Riverside County
Mountain View Middle School
Filmmakers: Genesis Garcia
Advisor: Noal Garrett
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“Not Just a Walk”
Los Angeles County
Graves Middle School
Filmmakers: Andrea Llamas, Arianna Flores, Jasmine Ramos and Stephanie Santiago
Advisor: Mrs. Fravien, Ms. Hernandez and Mrs. Sears
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“Like You”
Los Angeles County
Richard L. Graves Middle School
Filmmakers: Ashlee Tena, Ziandra Romero and Nathan Elizarraraz
Advisor: Charlene Fravien
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“Living in my Perfect World”
Los Angeles County
Kranz Intermediate Middle School
Filmmakers: Kimberly Rodriguez, Mariana Ortega and Marilyn Perez
Advisor: Kenny Bowman
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“Mental Health Solutions”
Orange County
Buena Park Junior High
Filmmakers: Ambrose Milligan, Alexa Aguilar, Victoria Chirinos, Catelyn Ortiz, Reanna Guerra and Monica Luther
Advisor: Debbie Clark
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“Feeling Lonely”
Fresno County
Tehipite Middle school
Filmmakers: Joseph Powell, Maddison Vang, Jonathan Stanley, Lesley Lopez, Kamareah Walker and Danny Boupha
Advisor: Luciana Lopez
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“Family Problem”
Los Angeles County
Madrid Middle School
Filmmaker: Owen Alatorre, Nathan Lopez, Marc Lopez and Edgar Sotelo
Advisor: Belinda Hyde
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2020 Walk in Our Shoes – Words Matter Winners

* First Place: “Invisible” (Recognized at Award Ceremony)
San Diego County
Hawking STEAM Charter School 2
Filmmakers: Aleksandra Orozovich, Clarissa Martinez, Jael Perez, Victor Von-Eiff, Damian Cruz and Yaretzy Alvarez
Advisor: Joshua Ducharme
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Second Place: “The Effect of Words”
Tulare County
Washington Elementary
Filmmakers: Joseph Alvarez, Alex, Hector, Daddy Kimbell and Xelha
Advisor: Brandon Sherrill
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Third Place: “Words Have Power”
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Marshall Middle School
Filmmakers: Rena Ko, Jannell Gonzalez, Jannese Gonzalez, Vincent Cruz, Atiqa Shafiq and Estefany Romero
Advisor: Nicole Soussens
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2020 Walk in Our Shoes – Words Matter – Honorable Mention

“Directing Our Change: Be Kind”
Los Angeles County
Santa Fe Fundamental
Filmmakers: Juan Delgado, Gadiel Castellanos, Logan Ceja, Marissa Cervantes, Isabella Godinez, Sierra Godoy, Matthew Gutierrez, Stephanie Hernandez, Madison Richardson and Abigal Ortega
Advisor: Dionne Jackson
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“How Words Matter”
Santa Clara County
Downtown College Prep Alum Rock Middle School
Filmmakers: Cuitlahuac Ramirez Borrego, Mia Lopez and Brendy Alva
Advisor: Melanie Felix
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“He/HIM”
Riverside County
Mountain View Middle School
Filmmakers: Peyton Taylor and Brent Villalba
Advisor: Noal Garrett
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“”Born Different””
Los Angeles County
Kranz Intermediate School
Filmmakers: Jazmin Melgar, Francess Sweeney and Elisa Gonzalez
Advisor: Dr. Bowman
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“What If?”
Los Angeles County
Cole Middle School
Filmmakers: Melany Guadalupe Lopez, Andrea Figueroa, Brandon Galvan, Emely Escobar Tenorio, Kimberly Ceja Rodridguez, Jazlyn Arenas and Mariah Hernandez
Advisor: Alexander Segovia
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“The Importance of Help”
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Mountain View Elementary School
Filmmakers: Emily Hayes, Khloe Wales and Jeffery Khaddour
Advisor: Jacqueline McElvy
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“Hurt and Healing”
Los Angeles County
Richard L. Graves Middle School
Filmmakers: Luis Guzman, Damien Garcia and Daniel Elizarraraz
Advisor: Charlene Fravien
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“What is Wrong?”
Los Angeles County
Graves Middle School
Filmmakers: Eduardo Gonzalez, Sergio Nuno and Santiago Hernandez
Advisor: Ms. Hernandez
View & Download

“Words Matter So Think Before You Speak”
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Mountain View Elementary School
Filmmakers: Maryum Amjad, Jammie Park and Lucia Mustoe
Advisor: Valri Jacobs
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“Words are Sounds”
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Mountain View Elementary
Filmmakers: Brenden Coronado, Nicholas Ramos and Jude Garcia
Advisor: Valri Jacobs
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“Words Hurt”
Riverside County
Mountain View Middle School
Filmmakers: Kenny Ontiveros and Diego Mares
Advisor: Noal Garrett
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“I’m Fine”
Colusa County
Williams Jr. Sr. High
Filmmakers: Jennifer Ramirez
Advisor: James Welcome
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Past Films.

2019 Winners
2018 Winners
2017 Winners
2016 Winners
2015 Winners
2014 Winners
2013 Winners

If you are experiencing an emotional crisis, are thinking about suicide or are concerned about a friend, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)
Directing Change is part of statewide efforts to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and to promote the mental health and wellness of students. These initiatives are funded by counties through the Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63) and administered by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), an organization of county governments working to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families and communities.