We will be announcing and recognizing the statewide winning films in the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Matters category at our 9th Annual Award Ceremony on May 18th. Across the state, 20 films advanced to a second statewide round of judging. The first, second, and third place winners in each category will be announced and screened at the event. In addition, we will also be screening and recognizing the 1st place statewide winners in our specialty categories: Through the Lens of Culture, SanaMente, Animated Short, Walk in Our Shoes, and Hope and Justice.
Screen, Vote, and Share!
- Voting is now closed, thank you for your support!
Vote for your favorite film to win the “2021 People’s Choice” award in each category. The film will be recognized on social media and filmmakers will receive an Amazon gift card. - Share your favorite films & tag us; every share will result in a donation to the program by one of our sponsors!
As a non-profit organization, we greatly appreciate your support!
Suicide Prevention
Mental Health Matters
Our Event Sponsors:
Directing Change is part of Each Mind Matters: California’s Mental Health Movement and 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.
This year our signature event sponsor is Blue Shield of California. Blue Shield of California BlueSky Initiative enhances access, awareness and advocacy of youth mental health supports in collaboration with the California Department of Education and leading nonprofit organizations. BlueSky supports California youth mental health by providing access to clinicians in middle and high schools, training educators on the signs of mental health concerns and empowering students with in-person and online mental health support resources.
“Thank you to the student filmmakers and winners of the 2021 Directing Change Film Contest. Film often provides an escape, but after a year unlike any other, it is also an especially impactful creative outlet and educational tool. Your camera lens and your voices can help save a life and shine a spotlight on the often misunderstood mental illness. Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky youth mental health initiative is so proud to support your inspiring work,” says Amanda Lasik, BlueSky Program Manager at Blue Shield of California.
Your Social Marketer, Inc has been a Directing Change partner for many years and is passionate about having the films seen by as many people as possible to inspire much-needed conversations on these topics in our schools, families and communities. They will make a donation for every “Share and Tag” of this year’s finalists.
