2026 Winners

Region 1

San Diego, Orange, and Imperial County

* First Place: “Bottled Up” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Angela Hendrix, Rita Cirata, and Viveka Mayo
Advisor: Mark Switzer
View & Download

* Second Place and Team Pick: “Superhero” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Orange County
Los Alamitos High School
Filmmakers: Davis Taylor, Christopher Blocher, Audrey Romo, Mason Potter, and Ashlynn Fragoso
Advisor: Conner Brown
View & Download

Third Place: “Drowning”
Orange County
Los Alamitos High School
Filmmakers: Sean Massoumi, Reef Settlemire, Jesse Berry, and Ryan Quinn
Advisor: Conner Brown
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“The Imperfect Athlete”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Izzy Chung and Alaina Zamora
Advisor: Mark Switzer
View & Download

“Hey Man”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Adam Rogers and Dylan Dotan
Advisor: Mark Switzer
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“Breaking the Silence”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Riley Hall, Makenna Delgado, and Alaina Zamora
Advisor: Mark Switzer
View & Download

“On Either Side”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Madison Song and Taylor S
Advisor: Mark Switzer
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“1% Remaining”
Imperial County
Southwest High School
Filmmakers: Phoebe Chow Lim, Elizabeth Gonzalez, and Owen Banuelos
Advisor: Deidre DuBose
View & Download

“One Step at a Time”
San Diego County
San Diego Met High School
Filmmakers: Methilde Bieschke, Damari Passmore, and Aviva Wolpoff
Advisor: Veronica Doyle
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“Paradise in a Pencil”
Orange County
Founder & Teacher, Imaginate Ink
Filmmaker: Emily Song
Advisor: Clarissa Ngo
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“Stop Waiting”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmaker: Natalie Khnouf
Advisor: Alex Graham
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“I Suck at Guitar”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Avery Gaiennie-Lovell and Tobin Cooke
Advisor: Mark Switzer
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“The PRESSURE is HEAVY”
Imperial County
Southwest High School
Filmmakers: Isidro Abril, Alejandro Abril, and Julian Ortega
Advisor: Deidre DuBose
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“Special Message”
Orange County
Buena Park High School
Filmmaker: Graham Mendibles
Advisor: Shayan Vaziritabar
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“The Secret of Monet’s Garden”
Orange County
Founder & Teacher, Imaginate Ink
Filmmaker: Alivia Hsu
Advisor: Clarissa Ngo
View & Download

Region 2

Riverside and San Bernardino County

* First Place: “Headwrangler” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Riverside County
Ramona High School
Filmmaker: Joey McCarty
Advisor: Dacy Nottingham
View & Download

Second Place: “Anyone”
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmakers: Aiden Hidalgo, Adrian Herring, Joaquin Johnson, and Dajuan Gibson
Advisor: James Miura
View & Download

Third Place: “Burnout”
San Bernardino County
Fontana High School
Filmmakers: Alyssa Banuelos, Aiden Smith, Marco Iribe, Christian Gonzalez, and Johnathan Salas
Advisor: Darlene Baranowski
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“The weight we carry”
Riverside County
Mountain View/ Mountain Heights
Filmmaker: Alicia Venegas
Advisor: Ronald De Genova
View & Download

“Find Your Light”
Riverside County
Heritage High School
Filmmakers: Isabel Garcia, Mia Orozco, Andrew Caballero, Gabriel Magallanes, Alina Ibarra, and Dariya Williams
Advisor: Nicholis Kalantar
View & Download

“Submerged”
Riverside County
Martin Luther King High School / Riverside County Office of Education Intermediate / Advanced Digital Film
Filmmakers: Michael Garcia, christopher holland, and Corbin Moreno
Advisor: Jamal Gerren
View & Download

“Change Your Film, Change Your Feelings”
Riverside County
Great Oak High School
Filmmaker: Alyssa Penny
Advisor: Andrew Huff
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“Midnight”
Riverside County
Martin Luther King High School / Riverside County Office of Education Intermediate / Advanced Digital Film
Filmmakers: Gabriel Payne, Nicolas Scarff, and Elijah Valencia
Advisor: Jamal Gerren
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“Out Of Bounds”
San Bernardino County
Fontana High School
Filmmakers: Jiovanny Villanueva and Ceasar Palacios
Advisor: Darlene Baranowski
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“The Weight of Massive Anxiety”
Riverside County
Palo Verde High School
Filmmakers: Josiah Thomas, Jose luis Sanchez, Julian Rivas, Gustavo Camacho, and Matthew Conte
Advisor: John Rusk
View & Download

“The weight of silence”
Riverside County
Martin Luther King High School / Riverside County Office of Education Intermediate / Advanced Digital Film
Filmmakers: ilyssa Aguirre, Julie McCarron, Melody Rodgers, and Briley Roberts
Advisor: Jamal Gerren
View & Download

“A Journey”
Riverside County
Rubidoux High School
Filmmakers: Vivian Aceves and Leilani Valdez
Advisor: Briane Roble
View & Download

Region 3

Los Angeles County and Tri-City

* First Place: “A Step Forward” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Los Angeles County
Temple City High School
Filmmakers: Melody Salazar, Savannah Cardenas, and Anya(asttie) Lin
Advisor: Kristen Castro
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Second Place: “Power of Friendship”
Los Angeles County
Inglewood High School
Filmmaker: Phoenix Henderson
Advisor: tadeo huazo
View & Download

* Third Place and Team Pick: “The Breaking Point” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Tri-City
Village Academy High School
Filmmakers: Ritzel Nino, America Lopez, Ronny Castillo, Matthew Vasquez, and Julian Zarco
Advisor: T. Arthur Cottam
View & Download

* “Breaking the Pattern” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Los Angeles County
Warren High School
Filmmakers: Jade Ferguson and Eduardo Sandoval
Advisor: Jared Nelson
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“Into The Light”
Tri-City
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Azure Sanders, Scarlette Sanders, Oziah Pada, Devan Zarate, and Maxima McCormack
Advisor: Sara Hills
View & Download

“The Stories Never Told”
Los Angeles County
Diamond Bar High School
Filmmakers: Sophia Galaviz, Abigail Helliesen, Kayla Estrada, and Yuyang Lin
Advisor: Mario Enriquez
View & Download

“Scholar To Struggle”
Tri-City
Village Academy High School
Filmmakers: Jose Arredondo, Bismarck Briseno, Charles-Lyle Daguplo, Alan Ramos, Jose Padilla-Cruz, and Joseph Serrano
Advisor: T. Arthur Cottam
View & Download

“GRWM”
Tri-City
San Dimas High School
Filmmaker: Audree Almeda
Advisor: Diana Zuniga
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“Obsession”
Tri-City
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Nicholas Alvarez, Nailah Rivera, and Jesus Huerta
Advisor: Sara Hills
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“Leaving or entering, it’s hard.”
Los Angeles County
Leuzinger High
Filmmakers: Aiden Larios Erazo, Maximiliano Rodriguez, Terry Soria, May Torres, and Isabelle Torres
Advisor: Sean Hiller
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“Could I..?”
Los Angeles County
Antelope Valley School District
Filmmakers: Oswaldo Mendoza, Diego Iraheta, Linus Nikodem, and Romeo Montoya
Advisor: Fabian Montagut
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“On The Stairway”
Los Angeles County
Reseda Charter High School
Filmmakers: Jaz Brown, Kenneth Vu, Nicolai Krayevskiy, and Camila Ramos
Advisor: Edgar Monterroso
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“Not Enough”
Los Angeles County
Inglewood High School
Filmmakers: Musa Abdullah, Rodolfo Gonzalez Jr, Ivriel Garcia, and Jason Garcia
Advisor: tadeo huazo
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, and Merced Counties

* First Place: “Take a Breath” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Fresno County
Sanger West High School
Filmmakers: Yesenia Yslas, Jaydenn Valencia, and Jalen Smith
Advisor: Sarah Soghomonian
View & Download

Second Place: “Light in the Dark”
Monterey County
Everett Alvarez High School
Filmmakers: Julissa Alcantar, Emma Angeles, Alejandra Perez-Calderon, and Yuliana Gonzalez
Advisor: Scott Rose
View & Download

Third Place – TIED: “Two Paths, One Road”
Fresno County
Sanger West High School
Filmmakers: Cris Lomas, Kyle Memley, Lauren Kinsfather, and Sophia Pokrovsky
Advisor: Sarah Soghomonian
View & Download

Third Place – TIED: “Lost in the Dark”
Santa Cruz County
Harbor High School
Filmmakers: Margaret Berwick and Lena Totten
Advisor: Larkin Wilson
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“The weight you can’t see”
Tulare County
Dinuba High School
Filmmakers: Isabella Juarez, Isabella Rodriguez, Marissa Rodriguez, Liliana Gamboa, and Alyssia Andrade
Advisor: TJ Celaya
View & Download

“Reach”
Alameda County
Granada High School
Filmmakers: Jack Bielawski and Nicholas Vigil
Advisor: Alexandria Janda
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“Your Moment”
Fresno County
Sanger West High School
Filmmakers: Lilly Porcho and Sofia Olvera
Advisor: Sarah Soghomonian
View & Download

“Our Friend”
San Francisco County
George Washington High School Wellness Center
Filmmakers: Shiman Zhao, Iyeriken Landaverde, Jennifer Ramirez, Ashley Hernandez, Ashley Gallegos, Ronald Mendez Hernandez, Daniela Rosales Tamayo, and Maliya Thompson
Advisor: Steve Youn
View & Download

“Not Alone.”
Monterey County
Rancho San Juan High School
Filmmakers: Prarthana Nambiar, Jenny De La Cruz Robles, Eunice Phille Cagigas, and Vanessa Rodriguez-Raya
Advisor: Aurelia Garcia
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“Without You”
Kern County
Career Technical Education Center
Filmmakers: Damian Montesino, Mario Medina, and Alondra Ojeda
Advisor: Lisa Krch Olson
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“Not Alone”
Alameda County
Tennyson High School
Filmmakers: Alexander Herrera and Elizabeth Silva
Advisor: Julianne Clark
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“The first in my family”
Monterey County
North County Recreation & Park District
Filmmaker: Yoceline Melgoza
Advisor: Isai Rivera
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“I wonder…”
Monterey County
North County Recreation & Park District
Filmmaker: Crystal Ruelas
Advisor: Isai Rivera
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, and Del Norte Counties

* First Place: “You Are Not Alone” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Stanislaus County
Joseph Gregori High School
Filmmaker: Marissa Langarica
Advisor: Jim McCarthy
View & Download

* Second Place and Team Pick: “The Weight We Carry” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Brendan Cashman and Rhence Kyle Garcia
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download

Third Place: “Pieces Of You”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Zoey Brisbine and Monica Gomez-Parmeter
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“A Work in Progress”
Marin County
Terra Linda High School
Filmmakers: Brynn Marovich, Nevan Keeling, Allison Marovich, Mia Carranza, Simone Dayton, Josephine Fetterman-Riggle, Gianna Glover, Benjamin Smulewitz, and Mia Schlotman,
Advisor: Alex Pryor
View & Download

“Small Steps Matter”
Shasta County
Redding School of the Arts
Filmmakers: Destimona Harrington and Leah Hage
Advisor: Teshya Russo
View & Download

“Speaking Out”
Shasta County
Redding School of the Arts
Filmmakers: Leah Hage and Destimona Harrington
Advisor: Teshya Russo
View & Download

“You’re Not Alone.”
Solano County
Vanden High School
Filmmaker: Evan Gleason
Advisor: Brent Manuel
View & Download

“Still Here”
Solano County
Fairfield High School
Filmmakers: Edward Astorga Jr and Jayden Malveaux
Advisor: Daniel Osorio
View & Download

“Perspective”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Benjamin Gunter and Nue Sia Lor
Advisor: Michael Peck
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“Words Matter”
Yolo County
Da Vinci High School
Filmmakers: Jalilah Abbker, Evelyn Lee, Mia Maguire, and Elias Zinkl
Advisor: Brittany Rosenberg
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“A Helping Hand”
Marin County
Terra Linda High School
Filmmakers: Wyatt Kalahiki, Kieran Roder, and Jayden Zimmerman
Advisor: Alex Pryor
View & Download

“Watch your words!”
Solano County
Angelo Rodriguez High School
Filmmaker: Jasmine Segbefia
Advisor: Lynn Larsen
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“See Both Sides”
Marin County
Terra Linda High School
Filmmakers: Zuhri Betts, Evelyn Romo Sandoval, and Claire Moussa
Advisor: Alex Pryor
View & Download

“The Little Things”
Stanislaus County
Johansen High School / Viking Production Network
Filmmakers: Madison Zimmerman and Gabriella garcia
Advisor: Nicolas Garcia
View & Download

“Clicked”
Stanislaus County
Johansen High School / Viking Production Network
Filmmaker: Johnny Carpenetti
Advisor: Nicolas Garcia
View & Download

Region 1

San Diego, Orange, and Imperial County

* First Place: “I am Seen” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Imperial County
Southwest High School
Filmmaker: Karissa Ruiz Ovando
Advisor: Deidre DuBose
View & Download

Second Place: “It Doesn’t Stay Night”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Kate Wissink and Isla W
Advisor: Mark Switzer
View & Download

Third Place: “Returning Spark”
San Diego County
Mission Hills High School
Filmmakers: Roxanna Perez, Briana Barrera, and Ava Saleh
Advisor: Heidi Kniseley
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“Dissonance”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Cooper Thompson and Asher Im
Advisor: Mark Switzer
View & Download

“Light at the End of the Tunnel”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmaker: Susan Braun
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download

“Oversaturated”
San Diego County
San Diego Met High School
Filmmakers: Jax Whitner and Hannah Silacci
Advisor: Veronica Doyle
View & Download

“Directing Change PSA”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Vivian Steiner, Sydney Wong, Brooklyn Kumsakul, Mackenzie McCarthy, and Annavie Dang
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download

“Before its too late”
San Diego County
Mira Mesa High/Digital Communication CTE Courses
Filmmakers: Evelyn Lam, Madeleine Bayudan, Yuwa Yamazaki, and Daveene Tran
Advisor: Laurisa Murray
View & Download

Region 2

Riverside and San Bernardino County

* First Place: “Sparks” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmakers: Marlen Valadez, Natalie Valadez, Mia Nunez, and Maria Ignacio
Advisor: James Miura
View & Download

Second Place: “Your Life Matters”
San Bernardino County
Barstow High School
Filmmakers: Tessa Murphy, Matthew Chavez, Jahmar Elliot, and Ryan Fink
Advisor: Joshua Barkdull
View & Download

Third Place: “Speak Up”
San Bernardino County
Apple Valley High School
Filmmakers: Penelope Nieto, Reily Windust, and Josephina Olivas
Advisor: Taylor Kerns
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“A helping hand”
Riverside County
Valley View High School
Filmmakers: Bianca Garcia and Emily Ortega
Advisor: Jim Long
View & Download

“Suicide Prevention: How to Help A Friend Feeling Suicidal”
Riverside County
Valley View High School
Filmmaker: Ayanna Puckett
Advisor: Jim Long
View & Download

“There is hope”
Riverside County
Martin Luther King / MLK Wellness Peer Educator
Filmmakers: Amiera Livingston-Gutierrez, Devaughna Jones, Tucker Ackarman, Aliana Vasquez, and Isabelly Grigio Pena
Advisor: Ana Garcia
View & Download

“You matter”
Riverside County
Ramona High School
Filmmakers: Malika Niazai and Naibe Olivar Suastegui
Advisor: Dacy Nottingham
View & Download

“Frozen Yogurt”
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmakers: Mark Nellickal, Amber Olmedo Olmedo, Anthony Tran, Jocelyn Valadez-Martinez, and Natalie Young
Advisor: James Miura
View & Download

“The Mask”
Riverside County
Valley View High School
Filmmaker: Charlotte Shaheed
Advisor: Jim Long
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“There’s Always A Reason”
Riverside County
Temecula Valley High School
Filmmakers: Emma Sutton, James Rabjohn, and Alex Pantig
Advisor: Kim Randall
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“The Quiet Between Us”
Riverside County
JFK Middle College High School–EVOLVE Program
Filmmakers: Katie Aguilar, Priscilla Calhoun, Jessica Cruz, Vibian Flores, and Ariana Swanson
Advisor: Susana Callon
View & Download

“you’re not alone”
San Bernardino County
Colony High
Filmmakers: Jayde Gordon and Parampreet Kaur
Advisor: Judy Garcia
View & Download

Region 3

Los Angeles County and Tri-City

* First Place: “Break the Silence” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Tri-City
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Stone Curry, Michael Diaz, and Andres Lopez
Advisor: Sara Hills
View & Download

Second Place: “The Bright Side”
Los Angeles County
John F. Kennedy Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet
Filmmakers: Leah Garcia, Ethan Mangahas, Elisa Covarrubias, and Daniella Garcia
Advisor: Aaron Lemos
View & Download

* Third Place and Team Pick: “THE NOISE” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Los Angeles County
Warren High School
Filmmakers: Samuel Almanza, Dylan Saavedra, Ruben Salazar, Walter Hearvey, Antonio arevelo, Christian Torres, Julian Zamora, owen zambrano, and kaiden Zambrano
Advisor: Jared Nelson
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“Don’t Be Scared To Reach Out”
Tri-City
Village Academy High School
Filmmakers: April Altamirano, Diego Alvarado, marylynn Garcia, Sergio Ibarra, Paola Serrato, and Amy Mendieta
Advisor: T. Arthur Cottam
View & Download

“The Turning Point”
Tri-City
PARK WEST HIGH SCHOOL
Filmmakers: Kayla Barrios Bernal, Jennifer De La Cueva, Karina Gonzalez, and Benjamin Guzman-Vega
Advisor: Bridget Earl
View & Download

“Letters”
Los Angeles County
Inglewood High School
Filmmakers: Anelly Penilla and Faith Barnette
Advisor: tadeo huazo
View & Download

“Embracing”
Los Angeles County
John F. Kennedy Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet
Filmmakers: Luis Guzman-Garcia, Adrianna Rojas, and Jake R
Advisor: Aaron Lemos
View & Download

“The Silence that Speaks (The Overlooked)”
Los Angeles County
iLEAD Online
Filmmaker: Larissa Gomez
Advisor: Jennifer Turnbull
View & Download

“Reach out”
Los Angeles County
Warren High School
Filmmakers: Jacob Galvan, Ricardo Robles, Jonah Muñoz, Matthew Reyes, and Oscar Amezcua
Advisor: Jared Nelson
View & Download

“You are loved”
Los Angeles County
Reseda Charter High School
Filmmakers: Gianna Buttler, Gracy Perez, and Carlos Valladares
Advisor: Edgar Monterroso
View & Download

“You Are Never Alone”
Tri-City
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Noah Dittman and James Baldwin
Advisor: Sara Hills
View & Download

“Negative Thoughts”
Los Angeles County
Inglewood High School
Filmmakers: Erick Gonzalez, Enrique Olvera, and Mathew Ramirez
Advisor: tadeo huazo
View & Download

“You’re Not Alone”
Tri-City
Village Academy High School
Filmmakers: Rene Macias, Marylynn Garcia, and Dylan Olea
Advisor: T. Arthur Cottam
View & Download

“There’s Always Help”
Los Angeles County
Inglewood High School
Filmmakers: Joshua Johnson, Leonel Castro, and Lipto Mozumder
Advisor: tadeo huazo
View & Download

“Help”
Los Angeles County
Gardena High School
Filmmaker: Nayeli Gonzalez
Advisor: Jesus Martinez
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, and Merced Counties

* First Place: “Puzzled” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Fresno County
Sanger West High School
Filmmakers: Sophia Fetter, Madilynn Lewis, and Lelanie Star Colin
Advisor: Sarah Soghomonian
View & Download

Second Place: “Silhouette”
San Mateo County
Menlo Atherton High School
Filmmakers: Trevor Carrazedo, Henrique Carvalho and Theodore Huang
Advisor: Lan Huang
View & Download

Third Place: “Bouy”
Santa Cruz County
Harbor High
Filmmaker: Camille Hartmann
Advisor: Larkin Wilson
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“Check up on your friends”
Monterey County
Greenfield High School
Filmmakers: Rodrigo Zavala, Evelyn Jaimes Gonzalez, and Monica Rios-Juarez
Advisor: Joseph Turek
View & Download

“Bad Moments Don’t Mean A Bad Life”
Fresno County
Sanger West High School
Filmmakers: Preston Yang, Zander Ang, Tejpratap Dharni, and Tyler Thach
Advisor: Sarah Soghomonian
View & Download

“One More Day”
Kern County
Ridgeview High School
Filmmakers: Angel Pedraza and Zayden Rodriguez
Advisor: Robert Styles
View & Download

“Save a Life”
Kern County
Ridgeview High School
Filmmaker: Yareli Rico
Advisor: Robert Styles
View & Download

“Always On The Other Line”
Kern County
MadHouse Circus
Filmmakers: Gavin Rose, Ryan Stone, and Jackson Whitbey
Advisor: Alexander Phillips
View & Download

“Help Is Everywhere”
Alameda County
Granada High School
Filmmakers: David Civello, Dakota Plummer, and Sarva Kumar
Advisor: Alexandria Janda
View & Download

“I See You”
Kern County
Career Technical Education Center
Filmmakers: Nathaniel Segura, Matthew Perez, Alondra Ojeda, Mario Medina, Joselyn Montano Gonzalez, Lander Tamayo, Airon Jackson, Jayden Mireles, Carlos Perez, and Aiyanah Delgado
Advisor: Lisa Krch Olson
View & Download

“Running on Empty”
San Mateo County
SafeSpace
Filmmakers: Wanis Moutri and Marcus To
Advisor: Aris Payan
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, and Del Norte Counties

* First Place: “You are more than your expectations” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Shasta County
Redding School of the Arts
Filmmakers: Mylee Jo Thornock, Alyssa Casey, and Emma Floth
Advisor: Teshya Russo
View & Download

Second Place: “Your Color Within”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmaker: Minah Kakar
Advisor: Brad Clark
View & Download

Third Place: “An Important Question”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmaker: Ifeatu Okonkwo
Advisor: Brad Clark
View & Download

* “Without The Piece” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Stanislaus County
Johansen High School / Viking Production Network
Filmmakers: Schelsea Camacho and Dominyka Michmel
Advisor: Nicolas Garcia
View & Download

* “Hear My Song” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmakers: Kate Rose, Johanna Nebe, and Lyla Fischer
Advisor: Brad Clark
View & Download

* “Trust Your Gut” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Donavan Fitzpatrick and Rowan Shoemaker
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“A Message To All”
Stanislaus County
Johansen High School / Viking Production Network
Filmmakers: Aundre Jordan, Paola Galvan, and Emanuel Cardoso
Advisor: Nicolas Garcia
View & Download

“Wilted Flowers”
Stanislaus County
Johansen High School / Viking Production Network
Filmmakers: Christina Odisho, Aundre Jordan, Emanuel Cardoso, and Camila Galvan
Advisor: Nicolas Garcia
View & Download

“Building Hope”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Owen Johnson and Treston Wang
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download

“You’re not alone”
Solano County
Vanden High School
Filmmakers: Giovanna Bosi and Roxanna McElroy
Advisor: Brent Manuel
View & Download

“How Fragile Is Life”
San Joaquin County
Weston Ranch High School
Filmmakers: Abril Gonzalez, Tu Ngo, Paawan Kumar, and Nathaniel Canchola
Advisor: Patrick Windschitl
View & Download

“Still Here”
Solano County
Fairfield High School
Filmmakers: Edward Astorga Jr and Jayden Malveaux
Advisor: Daniel Osorio
View & Download

“To be; Alive”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmakers: John Mark Gil Salesale and Carl Jaybert Ramirez
Advisor: Brad Clark
View & Download

“Locked”
Solano County
Fairfield High School
Filmmaker: Kiimarr Little
Advisor: Daniel Osorio
View & Download

“Fading Circle”
Solano County
Vanden High School
Filmmakers: Lilly Bertlin, Gabriel Tarango, Cristelry Jhane Munasque, and Desiree Latigue
Advisor: Brent Manuel
View & Download

2026 Substance Use Statewide Winners

* First Place: “Devil’s Advocate”
Stanislaus County
Johansen High School / Viking Production Network
Filmmakers: Shannon Nielsen, Kamryn Little, Aaron Nielsen, Aundre Jordan, Emanuel Cardoso, Gianna Hernandez, Ulises Medina Vallejo, Miguel Lopez, Hadden Watson, and Amelia Medearis
Advisor: Nicolas Garcia
View & Download

Second Place: “A Light in the Dark”
Orange County
Los Alamitos High School
Filmmakers: Sebastian Martinez, Christopher Blocher, and Leonard Rosa
Advisor: Conner Brown
View & Download

Third Place: “Not Worth It”
Monterey County
Rancho San Juan High School
Filmmakers: Ricky Sierra, Valeria Trevino-Atilano, and Jaden Trinh
Advisor: Timothy Brown
View & Download

Fourth Place: “One Step at a Time”
Stanislaus County
Johansen High School / Viking Production Network
Filmmakers: Emanuel Cardoso, Karan Singh, Jackson Mitchell, and Corbin Moore
Advisor: Nicolas Garcia
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Fifth Place: “Will this fix it?”
Monterey County
North County Recreation & Park District
Filmmaker: Marlene Linares
Advisor: Isai Rivera
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Honorable Mentions

“The Button”
Monterey County
North Salinas High School
Filmmakers: Inaya Feather, Jonas LeCheminant, Daniel Cordova-Gonzalez, Daniela Magana, and Audrina Vera
Advisor: Jennifer Ghastin
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“Control”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Logan Pitts and Lincoln Blakley
Advisor: Michael Peck
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“Good Enough”
Imperial County
Valley Academy
Filmmakers: Dayane Marquez, Ryli Nixon, and Jaqueline Torres
Advisor: Crystal Carrasco
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“Break the Cycle”
Imperial County
Valley Academy
Filmmakers: Juan Aguilar, Andrew Dovalina, and Daniel Garcia
Advisor: Crystal Carrasco
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“Black Out”
Los Angeles County
Santa Monica High School
Filmmakers: London Cunningham Snook and Ava Thomas
Advisor: Ruth Carter Hickman
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“Going under”
Los Angeles County
Sierra Vista High School
Filmmakers: Guadalupe Mares, Micheal Ramirez, and Juan Reyes
Advisor: Jenna Guerrero
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“Beyond the High”
Los Angeles County
Sierra Vista High School
Filmmakers: Sharolyn Luong and Jelena Ha
Advisor: Jenna Guerrero
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“Almost”
Orange County
Buena Park High School
Filmmakers: Sophia Ortega Perez and James Lee
Advisor: Shayan Vaziritabar
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“Strength of Coping”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmaker: Lucas Jensen
Advisor: Brad Clark
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“Finding Your Reason”
San Diego County
SAY SD
Filmmaker: Kennedy Lin
Advisor: Stacy Chiles
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“Seconds to Respond”
San Diego County
SAY SD
Filmmakers: Jianhao Hu, Damian Toma, Miguel G.Noriega, and Jayan Frye
Advisor: Stacy Chiles
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“Finding Freedom”
Tri-City
Village Academy High School
Filmmakers: Rosemary Vasquez and Natalie Fuerte
Advisor: T. Arthur Cottam
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“T.O.T. – Takes One Talk”
Monterey County
Alisal High School
Filmmakers: Loyd Batistiana, Eliezer Mejia, Isaac Toledo, and Felipe Melgoza
Advisor: Guadalupe Guzman Rubio
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2026 Through the Lens of Culture Statewide Winners

* First Place: “Echale Ganas”
Riverside County
Heritage High School
Filmmaker: Alina Ibarra
Advisor: Nicholis Kalantar
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Second Place: “LOVE CAN’T BE DETAINED”
Tri-City
Village Academy High School
Filmmakers: Diego Alvarado, Carlos Alvarado, David Lua, and Josephine Martinez
Advisor: T. Arthur Cottam
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Third Place: “Lo Que No Decimos”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmaker: Sofa Ponce Valladares
Advisor: Brad Clark
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Honorable Mentions

“Walk in the Park”
San Diego County
Mira Mesa High/Digital Communication CTE Courses
Filmmakers: Josh Ricketts and Justin Ricketts
Advisor: Laurisa Murray
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“Balik Bata (Back as a kid)”
Solano County
Fairfield High School
Filmmaker: Andriel Ashly Juganas
Advisor: Daniel Osorio
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“ICE raids effect us”
Solano County
Fairfield High School
Filmmaker: Angel Batres
Advisor: Daniel Osorio
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“Nuestra Cultura es Voz”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmaker: Melany Medina Cabrera
Advisor: Mark Switzer
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“Chameleon”
Riverside County
JFK Middle College High School–EVOLVE Program
Filmmakers: Eesha Krithi Vadla
Advisor: Susana Callon
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“With Culture & Tradition We Stay Resilient”
Out of state – Apache County, AZ
Chinle High School
Filmmakers: Terrilyn Barry and Ashton Elliott
Advisor: Cody Elliott
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“The Strengths we Share”
Tri-City
San Dimas High School
Filmmakers: Brianna Cruz
Advisor: Diana Zuniga
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“Strength in Speaking”
Riverside County
Coachella Valley Free Clinic
Filmmakers: Malak Awwad, Ruby Perez, Alejandra Pino Vergara, Fatima Mushtaq, Cassandra Irahola, Daniella Rivera, and Shivam Vachhani
Advisor: Ann Cheney
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“Dancing Through Fear”
Los Angeles County
Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet
Filmmakers: Nathan Villanueva, Alondra Lopez, and Laisa Morales
Advisor: Gricel Diaz
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“Beyond an Injury”
Tri-City
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Yakub Boyraz, Jake Bickham, Nayeem Clement y Caridad, Aarion K, and Jesse Bernard
Advisor: Sara Hills
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“Support Network”
Ventura County
Foothill Technology High School Wellness Program
Filmmakers: Lua (Josiah) Rodriguez, Mariana Gonzalez, Troy l Braley, Logan Garcia, Ayla Evans, and Scout Kasamis
Advisor: Rebecca Wulff
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“At the Door”
San Diego County
Mira Mesa High School
Filmmakers: Mary Nguyen, Aidan N, Annie Nguyen, Sydney Do, and Jerald Morales
Advisor: Desmond Rose
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“ROOTS”
Stanislaus County
Johansen High School / Viking Production Network
Filmmakers: Gabriella Garcia, Destiny Sanchez, Karan Singh, Alexander Calderon, and Emanuel Cardoso
Advisor: Nicolas Garcia
View & Download

2026 Boys and Young Men Media Challenge Winners

* First Place: “The Suppressed”
Stanislaus County
Johansen High School / Viking Production Network
Filmmakers: Amelia Medearis and Ivan Martinez
Advisor: Nicolas Garcia
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Second Place: “Los Hombres No Lloran”
San Bernardino County
Jurupa Hills High School
Filmmakers: Kelly Calderon, Nexay Sustayta, Leah Vega, Eli Farrell, Nathan Hernandez-Salazar, and Axel Hernandez Gomez
Advisor: Jhoann Acosta-Idda
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Third Place: “Different”
Orange County
Los Alamitos High School
Filmmakers: Natalia Sandoval Velazquez, Joseph Ito, Audrey Romo, Davis Taylor, and Ashlynn Fragoso
Advisor: Conner Brown
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Honorable Mentions

“Men’s Mental Health Matters”
Fresno County
Sanger West High School
Filmmakers: Devani Camarillo, Alessandra Chairez, Natalynn Deng, Jasmine Nanthavongdouangsy, and Zoe Zarate
Advisor: Sarah Soghomonian
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“I’m Fine”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Trevor Anderson, Micah Cavalluzzi, and Chase Lo
Advisor: Mark Switzer
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“Casting Out”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Nathan Diep and Evan Shultz
Advisor: Mark Switzer
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“EXPECTATIONS”
Stanislaus County
Johansen High School / Viking Production Network
Filmmakers: Hadden Watson and Daniel Cadenaz
Advisor: Nicolas Garcia
View & Download

“La Sombra Que Deje”
Solano County
Fairfield High School
Filmmaker: Alvaro Castillo
Advisor: Daniel Osorio
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“Clear Your Mind”
Los Angeles County
Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet
Filmmakers: Aaron Cruz, Lionel Antunez, Maribel Morales, and Eric Cruz
Advisor: Gricel Diaz
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“Breaking the Silence”
Fresno County
Sanger West High School
Filmmakers: Gracie Rodriguez, Emma Delacruz, Jose DeLaTorre, and Angel Neri
Advisor: Sarah Soghomonian
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“Querido Hermano”
Orange County
Los Alamitos High School
Filmmakers: Alexander Arizpe and Iván Ruelas
Advisor: Conner Brown
View & Download

“Silence.”
Stanislaus County
Johansen High School / Viking Production Network
Filmmakers: Steven Lucas Morales, Oscar Martin, Ismael Navarro, Dariel Garcia, and Juan A
Advisor: Nicolas Garcia
View & Download

“Breaking the Silence”
Tri-City
Village Academy High School
Filmmakers: David Hernandez, Alberto Barraza, Jiovanni Rodriguez, and Michael De Aquino
Advisor: T. Arthur Cottam
View & Download

“Beneath the Hardwood”
Stanislaus County
Johansen High School / Viking Production Network
Filmmaker: Adam Garcia
Advisor: Nicolas Garcia
View & Download

“Too Much Weight”
Solano County
Fairfield High School
Filmmakers: Eugene Lualemaga, Angel Salazar Ruiz, and Adin Flores
Advisor: Daniel Osorio
View & Download

“More Than A Label”
Fresno County
Sanger West High School
Filmmakers: Jayvis Oeun, Melanie Palafox, Mia Bribiesca, Jordan Ruffin, Daniel Castillo, Devani Camarillo, Adan Cervantez, Junior Lebar
Advisor: Sara Soghomonian
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“Suicide Prevention”
Solano County
Fairfield High School
Filmmakers: Cordell Evans
Advisor: Daniel Osorio
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2026 Walk in Our Shoes – Mental Health Winners

* First Place: “We Need Allies!”
Santa Clara County
DEAR – Disabilities, Education, Accessibility, and Resources
Filmmaker: Evan Barnwell
Advisor: Viviana Barnwell
View & Download

Second Place: “Redefining Beautiful”
Los Angeles County
Ivy Academia Charter School
Filmmakers: Xavier A, Khloe F, Samantha Hernandez, Kaya A, and Abigail White
Advisor: Chris Vanderhorst
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Third Place: “Choosing Kindness Every Day”
San Bernardino County
Woodward Leadership Academy
Filmmakers: Anthony Andrade and Souvan L
Advisor: Jasmine Parker
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“Panic!!!”
Ventura County
Rio Del Sol STEAM School
Filmmakers: Shaun De Perio, Josiah Gonzalez, Isabella Garcia, Ava Marie Valencia
Advisor: Angel Serrano
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“The Presentation”
Riverside County
Palm Middle School
Filmmakers: Subal Bogati, Robert Lopez, Johnny Robles
Advisor: Jahi Garner
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“Our Mental Health”
Los Angeles County
Hale Charter Academy
Filmmakers: Ilay Chetrit, Joshua Lua, Daniel Lua
Advisor: Edrei Russell
View & Download

“Reshaping anger”
Los Angeles County
Bellflower Middle/High School
Filmmakers: Amaya Gelvezon, Charley Martinez
Advisor: Ana Perez
View & Download

“Stuck”
Los Angeles County
Woodland Hills Academy
Filmmakers: Elle Evans, Faith Fanara-Wells, Monica Mayboroda, Makai Wesley, CJ Terblanche, Sophia Wright, Asa Fereidooni, Molly Flynn
Advisor: Amanda Corrigan
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“Difficult Times”
Ventura County
Rio Del Sol STEAM School
Filmmakers: Cypris Gallagher, Guillermo O, Natalia M, Joseph G
Advisor: Angel Serrano
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“Quietly suffering”
San Diego County
San Pasqual Elementary School
Filmmakers: Langston Chadwick, Victor Barrios, Ben Champion, Davian Juarez, Maksym Oderzhakhivskyi
Advisor: Tim Harmon
View & Download

“A Quiet Depression”
Los Angeles County
Daisy Gibson Elementary
Filmmakers: Alan G, Erick M
Advisor: Issa Makhlouf
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“Mental Health Matters”
Monterey County
San Carlos School
Filmmakers: Chloe Gibson, Avery Mancus, Abigail Searle, Ava Sillman
Advisor: Amber Johnson
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“The impact of depression”
Ventura County
Rio Del Sol STEAM School
Filmmakers: Kimberly Enriquez, Aubrey Garcia Rosas, Arybella Valenzuela
Advisor: Angel Serrano
View & Download

2026 Walk in Our Shoes – Suicide Prevention Winners

* First Place: “Hidden”
Sonoma County
Hillcrest Middle School
Filmmakers: Avalaya Gomez, Jaya DiPerna, Lisana M, Olivia M, Kaylee P, Cam M
Advisor: Brandon Leong
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Second Place: “what i don’t say”
Orange County
Warner MIddle School
Filmmakers: Kayla Bui, Sofi Dam, Izabella Dang, Ella Nguyen, Uyen Pham, Lam Tran, Jayden Truong, TinhNhu Tran
Advisor: Kurt Reisig
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Third Place: “Dimmer”
Los Angeles County
Oak Avenue Intermediate School
Filmmakers: Kyle Contant and Isaiah Fabian
Advisor: Kristen Castro
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Honorable Mentions

“Unseen”
San Mateo County
Fernando Rivera
Filmmakers: Maxwell Paw, Joshua Ho, Ethan Tan, Mason Herrera
Advisor: susan mcmahon-dyogi
View & Download

“The Helping Hand”
Los Angeles County
Hale Charter Academy
Filmmakers: Paxton F, Gideon Lidgi, Cole Groth
Advisor: Edrei Russell
View & Download

“Happy”
San Diego County
Pacific Beach Middle School
Filmmakers: Joseph Keicher, Hunter Klemensberg, and Leo Dawson
Advisor: Mitchell Mednick
View & Download

“Noticing the Signs”
San Bernardino County
Woodward Leadership Academy
Filmmakers: Cassidy C, Jestyn Simmons, Sabreena D, and Penny W
Advisor: Jasmine Parker
View & Download

“People Care”
Los Angeles County
Alpine Elementary
Filmmakers: Liseydi Tarango, Kathryne M.P, Luis N, Yatzil Garcia, Patience Whitehurst, and Isabella Gurrola
Advisor: Byron Solorzano
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“Invisible Battles”
San Mateo County
Hillview Middle School
Filmmakers: Shiv Natarajan, Amey Amle, and Bryce Gilmartin
Advisor: Cliff Ingham
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“Static”
San Bernardino County
Oaks Middle School
Filmmakers: Olivia N, Arianna S, Lillian Flores, and Serriyah J
Advisor: Dr. Malinda Hurley
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“Speaking Up Can Save A Life”
San Bernardino County
Woodward Leadership Academy
Filmmakers: Cassidy C, Souvan L, and Tank M
Advisor: Jasmine Parker
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“Be Wise”
Los Angeles County
Palms Middle School
Filmmakers: Leah Sanders, Malana King, Abigail Allen, and Javahn Granderson
Advisor: Irene Clark
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2026 Hope & Justice Winners

* First Place: “Choose to understand”
Riverside County
JFK Middle College High School–EVOLVE Program
Filmmakers: Safa Zubair, Deepika P, Fatimah Abdulwahhab, Deyala Radwan, and Salma Nasraddine
Advisor: Susana Callon
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Second Place: “Breathe”
Sacramento County
Pleasant Grove High School
Filmmakers: Olivia Schwendinger and Rebecca Glahn
Advisor: Delaire Doyle
View & Download

Third Place – TIED: “I.C.E Through Our Eyes”
Los Angeles County
Bellflower Middle/High School
Filmmakers: Naryari Dieguez, Gerardo Gonzalez, Max Lazaro, and Luis Guardado
Advisor: Ana Perez
View & Download

Third Place – TIED: “What if?”
Riverside County
Ramona High School
Filmmakers: Jairo Navarro and Michael Villagrana
Advisor: Mariah Andrews
View & Download

Honorable Mentions

“I love you”
Riverside County
Heritage High School
Filmmakers: Kameron Nayeri, Kyle Christopher, and Anthony Carrasco
Advisor: Nicholis Kalantar
View & Download

“.Dear Mom.”
Orange County
Buena Park High School
Filmmaker: Laisha Rojas
Advisor: Shayan Vaziritabar
View & Download

“Reach Out For Help”
Orange County
Buena Park High School
Filmmaker: Yocelin Urzua Mendez
Advisor: Shayan Vaziritabar
View & Download

“Innocence”
Orange County
Buena Park High School
Filmmaker: Aracely Aispuro
Advisor: Shayan Vaziritabar
View & Download

“Biased”
Los Angeles County
Antelope Valley School District
Filmmakers: Vanessa Ochoa, Hannah Trejo, and Linus Nikodem
Advisor: Fabian Montagut
View & Download

“I Wish My Parents New”
Tri-City
Village Academy High School
Filmmakers: Anthony Nguyen, Ronny Castillo, Ritzel Nino, and Angel Gaeta
Advisor: T. Arthur Cottam
View & Download

“Love Makes Me Whole”
San Diego County
San Diego Met High School
Filmmakers: Raysa Bieschke and Milo Wolpoff
Advisor: Veronica Doyle
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“Esperanza”
San Diego County
Mission Hills High School
Filmmakers: Tania Beltran, Bianca Azul Najera, Melanie Hernandez-Reyes, and Emily Antonio
Advisor: Heidi Kniseley
View & Download

“Music: My Friend, My Hero”
Orange County
Founder & Teacher, Imaginate Ink
Filmmaker: Zhiheng Xie
Advisor: Clarissa Ngo
View & Download

“What Are You?”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmaker: Kaia Resell
Advisor: Mark Switzer
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