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 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:
Selection of Suicide Prevention PSAs
Selection of Mental Health Matters PSAs
Selection of Through the Lens of Culture PSAs
Selection of Walk in Our Shoes PSAs
Selection of LGBTQ Films and Art
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 program participants can also be used to share their films and their stories:
Student Testimonial: Puedo Enfrentarlo
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
2023 Winners
The following films are our regional and specialty category winners for 2023. Honorable Mentions for each category may be added, contingent upon receiving release forms.
View monthly Hope & Justice Category winners here
Jump to:
2023 Suicide Prevention Regional Winners (Region 1)
2023 Suicide Prevention Regional Winners (Region 2)
2023 Suicide Prevention Regional Winners (Region 3)
2023 Suicide Prevention Regional Winners (Region 4)
2023 Suicide Prevention Regional Winners (Region 5)
2023 Mental Health Regional Winners (Region 1)
2023 Mental Health Regional Winners (Region 2)
2023 Mental Health Regional Winners (Region 3)
2023 Mental Health Regional Winners (Region 4)
2023 Mental Health Regional Winners (Region 5)
2023 Through the Lens of Culture Statewide Winners
2023 Animated Short Statewide Winners
2023 Walk in Our Shoes – The Superhero in Each of Us Statewide Winners
2023 Walk in Our Shoes – What is Mental Health Statewide Winners
2023 Walk in Our Shoes – Words Matter Statewide Winners
2023 Hope and Justice Statewide Winners
2023 Special Recognitions
2023 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Statewide Winners
Suicide Prevention
First Place: “That’s What Friends Are For”
Orange County
Woodbridge High School
Filmmakers: Marleen Juarez, Pauline Nguyen, and Mahi Thakkar
Advisor: Megan Humphreys
View & Download
Second Place: “Helping Hands”
Marin County
Terra Linda High School
Filmmakers: Makena Reyes, Ashlin Burke, Devin Adelmann, and Juliana Pommier
Advisor: Alex Pryor
View & Download
Third Place: “Stage Fright”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Alex Kuykendall and Ryan Olenyn
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download
Mental Health
First Place: “I Hate”
Riverside County
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Filmmakers: Elger Ogoc, Xavier Woods, Zain Khugyani, and Julian Zelaya
Advisor: Jacob Fuller
View & Download
Second Place: “Turning the Page”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Anthony Palomba and Len Rodden
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download
Third Place: “Sensory Overload”
Orange County
University High School
Filmmakers: Moses Fleischman, Alex Lu, and Harrison Roberts-Dahlgren
Advisor: Hali Kessler
View & Download
2023 Regional High School/Youth and Young Adult Winners – Suicide Prevention
2023 Regional High School/Youth and Young Adult Winners – Suicide Prevention
Region 1
San Diego, Orange, and Imperial County
* First Place: “That’s What Friends Are For” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Orange County
Woodbridge High School
Filmmakers: Marleen Juarez, Pauline Nguyen, and Mahi Thakkar
Advisor: Megan Humphreys
View & Download
* Second Place: “Truth Heals” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
San Diego County
San Diego Met High School
Filmmakers: Sydnie Pitzer and Evan Foskett
Advisor: Gini Mann-Deibert
View & Download
Third Place: “Know The Signs”
“Know The Signs”
Imperial County
Southwest High School
Filmmakers: Valeria Lopez, Valeria Chavez, Brandon Torres, Molly Romero, and Isabella Sanchez
Advisor: Jackie Valadez
View & Download
Honorable Mentions
“Preventing Suicide”
San Diego County
Helix Charter High School
Filmmakers: Israel Hernandez and Santo A Diaz
Advisor: Matt Guarnotta
View & Download
“The Note”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Julian Bautista, Makala Jones, and Mikaela Deveroux
Advisor: Mark Switzer
View & Download
“Same Thing, Different Day”
Imperial County
Southwest High School
Filmmakers: Jarissa Bojorquez, Belen Avalos, and Richard Nua
Advisor: Jackie Valadez
View & Download
“Speak Up.”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Autumn Treister, Makaela Moore, and Reilly Zabala
Advisor: Mark Switzer
View & Download
“Share the Weight”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Jack Bush and Evan Neylan
Advisor: Mark Switzer
View & Download
“Piece by Piece”
Orange County
La Quinta High School Creative Writing
Filmmakers: Hailey Zuniga, Kellan Nguyen, and Teresa Le
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
View & Download
“Heavy Weight”
Orange County
University High School
Filmmakers: Moses Fleischman, David Du, Yonatan Marian, Shane Plourde, Ramone Hamilton, and Quentin Marino
Advisor: Martin Stibolt
View & Download
“Después de la tormenta”
San Diego County
SIATech
Filmmaker: Kimberly Hernandez
Advisor: Jovita Cerda
View & Download
“Depression’s Fuel”
San Diego County
SIATech
Filmmaker: Sebastian Soucie
Advisor: Jovita Cerda
View & Download
“Talking Helps”
San Diego County
Canyon Hills High School
Filmmakers: Belle Ming-Ju Britson and Katelyn Levine
Advisor: Effren Villanueva
View & Download
Region 2
Riverside and San Bernardino County
* First Place: “Behind the Smile” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Riverside County
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Filmmakers: Matthew Milincu, Krishna Gombar, Isabella Lugo, and Margarita Medina
Advisor: Jacob Fuller
View & Download
Second Place: “Mended Bonds”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmakers: Robert Gallardo, Travis Gallardo, and Jeno Erdelyi
Advisor: Ella Harrison
View & Download
* Third Place: “The Reflections Upon a Picture” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Riverside County
Valley View High School
Filmmakers: Reyshilyn Villegas, Ruszel Paine Cuajotor, Dillon Chelette, and Ibrahim Sudqi
Advisor: Chris Lorenz
View & Download
Honorable Mentions
“Solace in Friends”
Riverside County
Valley View High School
Filmmakers: Mario Castelo, Michael Aguon, Victor Garcia Lopez, Jorge Rivera, and Julian Nava
Advisor: Chris Lorenz
View & Download
“A Talk With Mya”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmakers: Emmy Giron and Mya Jackson
Advisor: Ella Harrison
View & Download
“Not Too Late”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmakers: Caden Ebert, Nicholas Johnston, Noah Harding, and Elaheh Brill
Advisor: Ella Harrison
View & Download
“One Call Away”
Riverside County
Valley View High School
Filmmakers: Giovanni Ferratt, Isamar Gutierrez-Hurtado, and John Rodlin
Advisor: James Long
View & Download
“Help Is All Around”
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmakers: Isabella Roccia, Nicole Silva, and Jeddah Acklin
Advisor: James Miura
View & Download
“I Can See the Signs”
San Bernardino County
Apple Valley High School
Filmmakers: Kenzee Jacques, Jaisen Collins, and Avery White
Advisor: Taylor Martinez
View & Download
“Always There”
Riverside County
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Filmmakers: Enrique Ibarra Jr., Karandeep Singh, Camila Rose, and Esra Mor
Advisor: Jacob Fuller
View & Download
“988”
Riverside County
Ramona High School, NAMI on Campus Club
Filmmaker: Alexandria Soto
Advisor: Anita Young, MTSS Liaison
View & Download
“Be The Change”
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmakers: David Watson and Vince Gurrola
Advisor: James Miura
View & Download
“Never Give Up”
Riverside County
Valley View High School
Filmmaker: Eric Garavito
Advisor: Chris Lorenz
View & Download
“With Hands, We Connect”
Riverside County
Great Oak High School
Filmmakers: Isabella Hogan, Jaime Ynigo Perez, Jordan Delgado, and Bryant Delorme
Advisor: Andrew Huff
View & Download
“Feelings of Grief”
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmakers: Emma Aldaz, Isabella Aldaz, Isabella Perez, and Jose Orellana
Advisor: James Miura
View & Download
Region 3
Los Angeles County and Tri-City
* First Place: “Your friend, Avery” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Los Angeles County
John F. Kennedy Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet High School
Filmmakers: Miles Gardin and Yelena Reyes Mata
Advisor: Aaron Lemos
View & Download
Second Place: “I am not alone”
Los Angeles County
Inglewood High School / City Honors Academy
Filmmakers: Elizabeth Perez, Lena Barret, and Sergio de la Torre
Advisor: Tadeo Huazo
View & Download
Third Place (TIED): “We Are All in This Together”
Los Angeles County
Valley Oaks Center for Enriched Studies Media Magnet
Filmmaker: Matthew Roque
Advisor: Jamal Speakes
View & Download
* Third Place (TIED): “We’ve Never Been Closer” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Tri-City
Claremont High School
Filmmaker: Liam Plunier, Louis Nolte, Emilio Hernandez, Jacksan Gorman, and Dustin Divine-Sicherman
Advisor: Sara Hills
View & Download
Honorable Mentions
“Light”
Tri-City
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Carter Bostwick, Luna Tusques, and Ben Tzobery
Advisor: Sara Hills
View & Download
“Dear Cole”
Los Angeles County
John F. Kennedy Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet High School
Filmmakers: Luis Fernando Garcia-Molgado and Daniel Montes
Advisor: Aaron Lemos
View & Download
“Help Me”
Los Angeles County
John F. Kennedy Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet High School
Filmmakers: Alejandro Perez, Katherine Jaimes, and Nickolas Perez
Advisor: Aaron Lemos
View & Download
“The Right Thing”
Los Angeles County
John F. Kennedy Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet High School
Filmmakers: Abigail Brown, Klyde Kennedy-Manka, Gian Proano, and Issac Evangelista
Advisor: Aaron Lemos
View & Download
“It’s Me…”
Los Angeles County
John F. Kennedy Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet High School
Filmmakers: Martina Cordova, Sanai Montgomery, and David Camacho
Advisor: Aaron Lemos
View & Download
“Not all smiles are smiles”
Los Angeles County
Highland Park High School
Filmmakers: Reggie Hernandez, Angel Santiago, Stephenie Saavedra Garcia, Mayla Leal, and Catherine Anguino
Advisor: Victoria Munguia
View & Download
“Spinning Out Of Control”
Los Angeles County
John R. Wooden High School
Filmmaker: Syed Rizvi
Advisor: Jorge Ravelo
View & Download
“One Blink”
Los Angeles County
John F. Kennedy Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet High School
Filmmakers: David Camacho, Heidi Rodriguez, Ronn Garcia, and Emiliano Sandoval
Advisor: Aaron Lemos
View & Download
“Suicide Prevention”
Los Angeles County
Hilda L. Solis Learning Academy
Filmmaker: Brandon Alvarado, Markus Lopez Garcia, Angel Mendoza, and Jeremiah Ramos
Advisor: Marisa Moran
View & Download
“The Act”
Los Angeles County
International Studies Learning Center
Filmmakers: Natalie Delgadillo, Destiny Flores, and Gianna Mejia
Advisor: Lisa Ramirez
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: “Trusting My Instincts” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Contra Costa County
Dougherty Valley High School
Filmmakers: Megan Suh, Madisyn Chhon-Le, Ryan Suh, Shivani Ravindra, Aditri Katarey, Anaya Khan, and Lillian Jacob
Advisor: Tehseen Khan
View & Download
Second Place (TIED): “Dear Diary”
San Mateo County
SafeSpace
Filmmakers: Grace Finke, Isabela Duffy, Parker Isom, Aarya Bhushan, Cameron Leung, Xamara Carillo, and Desiree Ramon-Aquino
Advisor: Annie Kim
View & Download
Second Place (TIED): “Masquerade”
Tulare County
Countryside High School
Filmmakers: Selena Signorelli, Daisy Meza, Morelia Rodriguez, Esperanza Ramirez, Akayla Candelaria, Nakayla Suarez, Jocelin Ponce, Anthony Varela, and Mariana Renteria
Advisor: Elizabeth Castaneda
View & Download
Third Place (TIED): “Just Listen”
Fresno County
Sanger West High School
Filmmakers: Melakai Quitoriano, Nikolas Pagan, Natalie Thach, and Tristan Smith
Advisor: Sarah Soghomonian
View & Download
Third Place (TIED): “Thank You”
Merced County
Atwater High School
Filmmakers: Michelle Gregory, Shakira Davalos, and Devan Garcia
Advisor: Matthew Vaz
View & Download
Honorable Mentions
“If Only You Could See”
San Francisco County
George Washington High School
Filmmakers: Marcus Vuong, Kaitlyn Kimber, Lauren Pham, Alec Liu, and Oliver Dzul Magana
Advisor: Steve Youn
View & Download
“Forever Sleep”
Contra Costa County
Acalanes High School
Filmmakers: Edreece Warres, Everett Shore, and Ryan Foster
Advisor: Eric Morford
View & Download
“Light In The Dark”
Santa Clara County
Mt. Pleasant High School
Filmmakers: Adrian Mendez, Nicolas A. Pereira, Cuong D. Pham, and Kenneth Serrano Rodriguez
Advisor: William Cavada
View & Download
“It gets better”
Monterey County
Notre Dame High School
Filmmakers: Gabriella Uribe, Sage Burke, Sarina Cecilio, Krystal Valdez, and Hailey Guerini
Advisor: Emily Woodward
View & Download
“You Are Not Alone”
Alameda County
Tennyson High School
Filmmakers: Areli Montero, Asvika Natarajan, and Fahness Fretwell
Advisor: Julianne Clark
View & Download
“Don’t Be Afraid”
Santa Clara County
Mt. Pleasant High School
Filmmakers: Knowledge Segura, Louis Ibarra Reyes, and Cristian Sanchez
Advisor: William Cavada
View & Download
“There’s always someone”
Fresno County
Clovis East High School
Filmmaker: Jalia Yang
Advisor: Derrick Davis
View & Download
“Tale of Two Paths”
Santa Cruz County
Diamond Technology Institute
Filmmakers: Isaiah Fernandez, Ethan Sandoval, Richard Rocha, James Mella, Anthony Heredia, and Alexander Bejar-Fernandez
Advisor: Maria Bonner
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: “Stage Fright” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Alex Kuykendall and Ryan Olenyn
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download
Second Place: “Lost”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Drew Barron and Rafael Wenslaff
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download
* Third Place: “Helping Hands” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Marin County
Terra Linda High School
Filmmakers: Makena Reyes, Ashlin Burke, Devin Adelmann, and Juliana Pommier
Advisor: Alex Pryor
View & Download
* “Conversations” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Shasta County
Redding School Of The Arts
Filmmakers: Krystina Saubel, Kea Disney, Eva Franceschini, Mona Harrington, and Annika Franco
Advisor: Teshya Russo
View & Download
Honorable Mentions
“in my mind”
Stanislaus County
Project YES
Filmmakers: Hunter Firth, Jeremy Deffenbach, and Mark Moore
Advisor: Dustin Pack
View & Download
“A Sad Friend”
San Joaquin County
John C. Kimball High School
Filmmakers: Noah Pearson, Logan Hernandez, Nathan Droste, and AJ Hunter
Advisor: Melissa Burkert
View & Download
“Finding a friend”
Butte County
Gridley High School
Filmmakers: Luke Soares, Nico Donati, Yaquelin Cervantes, and Viviana Robles
Advisor: Steve Allard
View & Download
“Pressure on Students”
Sacramento County
Elk Grove High School
Filmmakers: Simon Mehreteab, Leon Pham, Sean Ulrich Lee, and Kabir Diaz
Advisor: Jennifer Moore
View & Download
“Processing Support”
Stanislaus County
Peter Johansen High School
Filmmakers: Genesis Rodriguez, Yahir Saavedra, Andy Lyek, and Justine Cabral
Advisor: Nicolas Garcia
View & Download
“Awareness”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Owen Behlke and Jayson Ellis
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download
“progress in life”
Stanislaus County
Project YES
Filmmaker: Toni Martinez
Advisor: Dustin Pack
View & Download
“I Still Love You”
Placer County
Whitney High School
Filmmakers: Justin Sneed, Logan Starr, and Samuel Rolph
Advisor: Ben Barnholdt
View & Download
“Walk Of Silence”
Glenn County
William Finch Charter School
Filmmaker: Laurianne Foushay
Advisor: Chris Mullins
View & Download
“A Different Me”
Placer County
Whitney High School
Filmmakers: Darpan Khanna and Jackson Santos
Advisor: Ben Barnholdt
View & Download
“A Friend in Need”
Napa County
Vintage High School
Filmmakers: Collin Durfee, Connor Gongora, and Landon Cummings
Advisor: Melaine Merkner
View & Download
*****
2023 Regional High School/Youth and Young Adult Winners – Mental Health
Region 1
San Diego, Orange, and Imperial County
* First Place: “Sensory Overload” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Orange County
University High School
Filmmakers: Moses Fleischman, Alex Lu, and Harrison Roberts-Dahlgren
Advisor: Hali Kessler
View & Download
Second Place: “Always There”
Orange County
Irvine High School / iTV
Filmmakers: Bryant Saban, Brianna Ramirez, and Maryam Jalali
Advisor: Elizabeth Keller and Rebeccah Phillips
View & Download
Third Place (TIED): “Smiling Through Depression”
San Diego County
Pacific Ridge School
Filmmaker: Jeremy Liew
Advisor: Christopher Simon
View & Download
Third Place (TIED): “Nothing To Be Ashamed Of”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmaker: Katelyn Gooneratne
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download
* “A Genderqueer Perspective (on Mental Health)” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
San Diego County
Sage Creek High School
Filmmakers: Emma Lee, Ava Krudwig, Asher Frankel, and Kai Vermillion
Advisor: Sarah Hunter
View & Download
Honorable Mentions
“Never Alone”
San Diego County
Helix Charter High School
Filmmakers: Milo Neville, Morgyn Miller, and Andruw Servin
Advisor: Matt Guarnotta
View & Download
“Furry Friends”
Imperial County
Southwest High School
Filmmakers: Joselyn Paez, Yvette Paez, Sylvana Navarrete, Sophia Pimentel, and Erick Gonzales
Advisor: Jackie Valadez
View & Download
“La Salud Mental”
San Diego County
SIATech
Filmmaker: Antonio Ortega
Advisor: Jovita Cerda
View & Download
“The Promise”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmaker: Tyler Song and Mia Hester
Advisor: Mark Switzer
View & Download
“End The Stigma”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmaker: Peyton Hoffman
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download
“Starting Line”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Jaden Men, Ivan Chang, and Jordan Haddadin
Advisor: Alex Graham
View & Download
“Lost in Thought”
Orange County
La Quinta High School Creative Writing
Filmmakers: Orbal Farhad, Kevin Nguyen, Audrey Quynh-An Pham, and Ethan Ho
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
View & Download
“The Helper”
Orange County
Irvine High School
Filmmakers: Hope Wellikson, Ellie Irianto, Angie Baik, Jay Han, Isaac Kim, Cadence Yip, and Lana Alsamawi
Advisor: Elizabeth Keller & Rebeccah Phillips
View & Download
“People Talk”
San Diego County
Mission Bay High School
Filmmakers: Khouri Evans, Mylee Santiaguel, Savannah Long, Ashley Bleu, Amaya Gray, and Jasurin Parmar
Advisor: Stacy Chiles
View & Download
“Burnout”
San Diego County
San Diego Met High School
Filmmakers: Myla Pitzer and Isabella Guerrero
Advisor: Gini Mann-Deibert
View & Download
Region 2
Riverside and San Bernardino County
* First Place: “Invisible Ink” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
San Bernardino County
Encore High School
Filmmakers: Aidan Rahder, Logan Abrego, and Luke Jones
Advisor: Joshua Barkdull
View & Download
* Second Place: “I Hate” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Riverside County
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Filmmakers: Elger Ogoc, Xavier Woods, Zain Khugyani, and Julian Zelaya
Advisor: Jacob Fuller
View & Download
Third Place: “You’re Not Alone”
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmakers: Brandon Vinluan, Megan Villanueva, Malachi Garcia, Ivan Araiza, and Mark Adeva
Advisor: Chris Hauk
View & Download
* “Reconociendo los sintomas de trastornos mentales en el cuerpo” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Riverside County
UCR Coachella Valley Free Clinic
Filmmakers: Anjali Palikhey, Alejandro Palomares, Tri Mai Anh Ly, Melissa Castillo, and Valeria Barrientos
Advisor: Dr. Ann Cheney
View & Download
Honorable Mentions
“Gone”
San Bernardino County
Encore High School
Filmmakers: Preston Poutre, Alan Hernandez, Carson Powell, Julian Alvarado, and Chase Roland
Advisor: Joshua Barkdull
View & Download
“Man Up”
Riverside County
Ramona High School
Filmmakers: Anthony Gomez, Lang Moy, and Zakira Winthein
Advisor: Dacy Nottingham
View & Download
“Directing Change”
Riverside County
Ramona High School
Filmmakers: Krystal Ordaz, Tiare Cabrera, Chase Porter, and Mary Vargas
Advisor: Dacy Nottingham
View & Download
“Unbroken”
Riverside County
Temecula Valley High School
Filmmaker: Christianah Allen
Advisor: Kim Randall
View & Download
“Accept help”
San Bernardino County
Silverado High School
Filmmakers: Angel Garcia Morales, Danielle Espinoza, Xaver Tong, and Grace Lent
Advisor: Lydia Lane
View & Download
“In My Head”
San Bernardino County
Apple Valley High School
Filmmakers: Tiffany Ho Ching Johnson, Matthew Renteria, Alexus Robles, Brienne Hill, and Kodee Hill
Advisor: Taylor Martinez
View & Download
“What’s Perfect?”
San Bernardino County
Entrepreneur High School
Filmmakers: Nicholas Shealer and Sydney Freehling
Advisor: Ron De Genova
View & Download
“Salud Mental Durante la Pandemia”
San Bernardino County
UCR Coachella Valley Free Clinic
Filmmakers: Andrea Gonzalez, Galilea Delgado, Alexia Garcia, and Gabriela Mota
Advisor: Dr. Ann Cheney
View & Download
“why am i running?”
Riverside County
Santa Rosa Academy
Filmmakers: Jakob Torrealba and Jacob Cavazos
Advisor: Della White
View & Download
“SMILE Project”
Riverside County
Santa Rosa Academy
Filmmakers: Faith Krueger and Noor Jehanzeb
Advisor: Della White
View & Download
“Overcoming Mental Health Struggles When Facing A Chronic Condition”
Riverside County
UCR Coachella Valley Free Clinic
Filmmakers: Radhika Amin, Andrew Tseng, John Sedrack, Tricia Ngo, Michael Spencer, Raafi Chowdhury, and Joshua Carreon
Advisor: Dr. Ann Cheney
View & Download
Region 3
Los Angeles County and Tri-City
* First Place: “Overthinking” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Los Angeles County
Lloyde High School
Filmmaker: Gabriella Martinez
Advisor: Kevin Brown
View & Download
Second Place: “Life in Time Lapse”
Tri-City
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Hannah Swiatek, Sophia Diaz, Linnea Anderson, Lindsey Olivo, and Eleanor Myers
Advisor: Sara Hills
View & Download
Third Place (TIED): “Sometimes Your Feelings”
Los Angeles County
Maywood Center for Enriched Studies
Filmmakers: Julissa Hernandez, Amy Chan, Rodselyn Ramirez, Vanessa Guzman, Natalia Lara, Milenka Melton, Aylin Narvaez, and Elvia Barrera
Advisor: James Ng
View & Download
Third Place (TIED): “A Wish”
Los Angeles County
Mt. SAC Early College Academy
Filmmakers: Vanessa Ramos, Joshua Fermalino, Isabella Quezada, and Giovanna Lopez
Advisor: Rudy Ruiz
View & Download
Honorable Mentions
“The Gifts You Can Give”
Tri-City
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Nora Campbell, Naomi Flowers, Santiago Cifuentes, Anthony Juneau, and Jason McCoy
Advisor: Sara Hills
View & Download
“Signs It Gets Better”
Los Angeles County
Stoney Point High School
Filmmakers: Vanette Peachey, Sonya Rosales, and Jonathan Dorado
Advisor: Katrina Powell
View & Download
“Under Our Umbrella”
Los Angeles County
Maywood Center for Enriched Studies
Filmmakers: Cassady Flamenco, Jose Aguirre, and Ringie Del Mundo
Advisor: Adrianna Ruvalcaba
View & Download
“Do What You Love”
Los Angeles County
Highland Park High School
Filmmakers: Charlotte Hatley and Oliver Zepeda
Advisor: Victoria Munguia
View & Download
“Timed”
Los Angeles County
Temple City High School
Filmmakers: Rainer Hsu, Megan Kim, Harry Xiang, and Kaylee Wang
Advisor: Diane Chang Ho
View & Download
“Behind Closed Doors”
Los Angeles County
Reseda Charter High School
Filmmakers: Jade Zepeda, Sarvon Jamison, Mitzi Vargas, and Edward Hernandez
Advisor: Edgar Monterroso
View & Download
“Accepting Help”
Los Angeles County
John R. Wooden High School
Filmmaker: Samwail Eshak
Advisor: Jorge Ravelo
View & Download
“These Thoughts”
Los Angeles County
Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School
Filmmaker: Maryjune Concepcion
Advisor: Raphael Rodriguez
View & Download
“Fighting Anxiety”
Los Angeles County
Temple City High School
Filmmakers: Shaun Chen, Samuel Deng, Elizabeth Tang, and Ryan Chen
Advisor: Diane Chang Ho
View & Download
“A Night Out”
Tri-City
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Kendell Weis, Corinne Campton, Daniel Palmer, and Ken Guo
Advisor: Sara Hills
View & Download
“Get Help”
Tri-City
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Theo Krebs and Evalyn Lohr
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, and Merced Counties
* First Place: “Nosotros / We” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Fresno County
Riverdale High School NAMI Club
Filmmakers: Kayla Pina, Elena Padilla, Jose Lopez, Francisco Velazquez, Cristal Gonzalez, and Xander Davis
Advisor: Mina Valdeabella
View & Download
Second Place: “Dear Future Me”
Alameda County
Irvington High School
Filmmakers: Jocelyn Liu and Angeline Liu
Advisor: Christina Faitel
View & Download
Third Place (TIED): “Mental Health on Campus”
San Francisco County
George Washington High School
Filmmakers: Sophie Barr, Katy Yang, and Kaitlyn Kimber
Advisor: Steve Youn
View & Download
Third Place (TIED): “I Matter”
Fresno County
Clovis East High School
Filmmaker: Theresa-Marie Yuenger
Advisor: Derrick Davis
View & Download
* “The Secret of ADHD” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Contra Costa County
Acalanes High School
Filmmakers: Caitlin Crinnion, Ali Sina Haidari, Inanna Saifeddin-Alsafi, and Joseph Terhar
Advisor: Eric Morford
View & Download
Honorable Mentions
“Feathers for the Wings”
Ventura County
Frontier High School
Filmmaker: Adrianna Ward
Advisor: Monica Robles
View & Download
“What They Don’t See”
Contra Costa County
Dougherty Valley High School
Filmmakers: Megan Suh, Aditri Katarey, Shivani Ravindra, Lillian Jacob, Anaya Khan, Madisyn Chhon-Le, and Ryan Suh
Advisor: Tehseen Khan
View & Download
“Let it Out and Trust in your Mental Health”
Ventura County
BRITE
Filmmaker: Erasmo Corral
Advisor: Mitchell Boring
View & Download
“Helping a Friend”
Santa Clara County
Mt. Pleasant High School
Filmmakers: Evelyn Perez Ibarra, Ezekiel Ordona, Emily Orozco Mora, and Anahi Zavala
Advisor: William Cavada
View & Download
“Surviving Senioritis”
Alameda County
Tennyson High School
Filmmakers: Sharon Rivera Desales and Melissa Turrubiartes
Advisor: Julianne Clark
View & Download
“The Importance of Support”
Kern County
CTEC
Filmmakers: Martin Acevedo Diaz, Andres Gonzalez, Robert Longmire, and Jolie Rivero
Advisor: Lisa Krch
View & Download
“Speak Up”
Kern County
CTEC
Filmmakers: Jonathan Ball, Gerardo Aguilar, and Brandon Fuentes
Advisor: Lisa Krch
View & Download
“Anxiety And I”
Kern County
CTEC
Filmmakers: Kimberly Orellana Portillo and Cristina Vargas
Advisor: Lisa Krch
View & Download
“Choosing recovery”
Fresno County
Clovis East High School
Filmmaker: Delyla Ybarra
Advisor: Derrick Davis
View & Download
“Know the Signs”
Santa Cruz County
Diamond Technology Institute
Filmmakers: Angel Felipe Marron Rocha, Suni Tenorio, Joselyn Fuentes, Cynthia Ramirez, and Jason Lee Rocha
Advisor: Maria Bonner
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: “Turning the Page” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Anthony Palomba and Len Rodden
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download
Second Place: “New Connection”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Jaydon Lacey and Owen Gois
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download
* Third Place: “The Pressure Cooker” (Team Pick – Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Sacramento County
Rio Americano High School
Filmmakers: Kaser Winn and Naya Winn
Advisor: Nina Seibel
View & Download
Honorable Mentions
“Destigmatize”
Tehama County
Red Bluff High School
Filmmaker: Alexandria Viramontes Siguenza
Advisor: Darbie Andrews
View & Download
“PTSD”
Butte County
Table Mountain School
Filmmaker: Allan Bone
Advisor: Leonora King
View & Download
“Feeling Desolate”
San Joaquin County
Weston Ranch High School
Filmmakers: Xavier Jones, Leona Siaplay, Jasmine Salcedo, Cianna Avamolifua, Nektarios Veziris, Chimamanda Nnamdi, and Brianna Davis
Advisor: Deborah Chavez
View & Download
“Depression is Different”
Solano County
Vanden High School
Filmmakers: Lilly Bertlin and Arin Dobbs
Advisor: Brent Manuel
View & Download
“Open The Door”
Yolo County
Da Vinci High School
Filmmakers: Sarah Novick, Devin Davis, Hazel Brewin, and Ella Neuvert
Advisor: Brittany Rosenberg
View & Download
“Speak Up”
Sacramento County
Elk Grove High School TDA Acadamy
Filmmakers: Sediah Henry, Alyssa Wong, Lourdes Soliz, Lauren Prum, Isabella Dawson, and Madilynn Fiksdal
Advisor: Jennifer Moore
View & Download
“Reaching Out”
Stanislaus County
Peter Johansen High School
Filmmakers: Aracely Martinez, Kaitlin Galvan, and Genesis Rodriguez
Advisor: Nicolas Garcia
View & Download
“The Battle You Can’t See”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Belal Abouesh and Elena Tirado
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download
“Language Awareness”
Stanislaus County
Valley College High School
Filmmakers: Briana Enriquez, Kendra Escobedo, and Presley Payan
Advisor: Kim Hardenbergh
View & Download
“You Matter”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmaker: Kai Charles
Advisor: Brad Clark
View & Download
“Offline”
Glenn County
William Finch Charter School
Filmmaker: Daisy Santana
Advisor: Chris Mullins
View & Download
“Talk it Out”
Solano County
Vanden High School
Filmmakers: Aprille Santos, Andrea Remeticado, and Donovan Albalos
Advisor: Brent Manuel
View & Download
“Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover”
Shasta County
Redding School Of The Arts
Filmmakers: Annika Franco, Krystina Saubel, Mona Harrington, Kea Disney, and Eva Franceschini
Advisor: Teshya Russo
View & Download
“Connection”
Marin County
Terra Linda High School
Filmmakers: Jackson Roberts, Claire Austin, Christianna Gatti, Wille Swain, and Devin Adelmann
Advisor: Alex Pryor
View & Download
“Don’t Cover Up”
Napa County
Vintage High School
Filmmakers: Mikelle Powers, Isabelle Rodriguez, Joslyn (Max) Powers, and Alexis Orozco
Advisor: Melaine Merkner
View & Download
*****
2023 Through the Lens of Culture Winners
Due to the large number of submissions in this category, the Directing Change split them into two groups for the purposes of judging.
Through the Lens of Culture – Group 1
First Place: “Estamos Juntos”
San Mateo County
SafeSpace
Filmmakers: Xamara Carillo, Desiree Ramon-Aquino, Isabela Duffy, and Chris Almazan
Advisor: Annie Kim
View & Download
Second Place: “I See You”
Orange County
La Quinta High School Creative Writing
Filmmakers: Jenny Nguyen, Kevin Le, Jeslyn Le, Ruby Chau, and Jessica Truong
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
View & Download
Third Place: “Siempre es Suficiente”
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmakers: Karyme Marin, Naomi Tambunan, Kathleen Pardede, Francis Hagan, Darian Pantoja, and Alondra Ruiz
Advisor: James Miura
View & Download
Fourth Place (TIED): “Macho”
Los Angeles County
Highland Park High School
Filmmakers: Carol Fuentes and Isaac Medina
Advisor: Victoria Munguia
View & Download
Fourth Place (TIED): “El Bienestar de Todos (The Well-Being Of All)”
Santa Clara County
Mt. Pleasant High School
Filmmakers: Maria Esquivel Flores, Vianney Castaneda Gonzalez, and Emiliano de Jesus Ontiveros Avalos
Advisor: William Cavada
View & Download
Fifth Place: “It’ll Be Okay”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmakers: Suhani Hazari and Geethika Nandyala
Advisor: Brad Clark
View & Download
Through the Lens of Culture – Group 1
Honorable Mentions
“Through the Lens of Culture”
Riverside County
Indio Teen Center/Indio Youth Advisory Council
Filmmakers: Taliyah Randolph, Xitlali Natividad, and Frida Arriaga
Advisor: Rosalva Campos
View & Download
“Mal Diagnosticado”
Riverside County
Valley View High School
Filmmaker: Angelica Muñoz
Advisor: Chris Lorenz
View & Download
“Bienvenidos”
Sonoma County
Altimira Middle School
Filmmakers: Sheyla Lara, Jennifer Aguilar Garfia, Alexis Perez Lopez, Ahtziry Rodriguez- Quiroz, Pricilia Urzua Roman, Rigoberto Urzua Roman, Karolain Mercado Morales, Brandon Cordova Sanabria, and Julio Cordova Sanabria
Advisor: Michelle Jackson (Missy)
View & Download
“English Only”
Siskiyou County
Tulelake High School
Filmmakers: Samantha Martinez, Desiree Williams, Omar Hernandez, Cassandra Hernandez, Pascual Hernandez, Jorge Alvarado, Johaned Aguilar Maldonado, Gema Alcala, Salvador Hernandez, and Dominic Alcala
Advisor: Matt Hartung
View & Download
“Excerpts From Vietnamese Perspective”
Santa Clara County
Mt. Pleasant High School
Filmmakers: Ryan Tran, Phat Pham, and Huu Vo
Advisor: William Cavada
View & Download
“Mental Health Vision”
Santa Clara County
Mt. Pleasant High School
Filmmakers: Brenda Chavez Plancarte, Yaileen Juarez, and Angie Herrera Hernandez
Advisor: William Cavada
View & Download
“I need your help”
Alameda County
California Crosspoint Academy
Filmmakers: Xingyan (Christine) Jin, Liya (Julia) Zhu, Xiangtian (Tina) Wang, and Mingyan (Yan) Xia
Advisor: Kenneth Tong
View & Download
“The Benefits of Smudging”
Kern County
CTEC
Filmmakers: Dilan Hernandez and Paradiz Gurule
Advisor: Lisa Krch
View & Download
“Busca Ayuda”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Kayden Genna and Roberto Partida Pelayo
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download
“Alone”
Riverside County
Ramona High School
Filmmakers: Valery Armenta, Olivia Chavez, Sofia Vazquez, Daisy Perez, Crystal Ixmay, Ashely Padilla, Dacy Nottingham, and Jocelyn Juan-Linares
Advisor: Dacy Nottingham
View & Download
“We Will Listen”
Orange County
Orange County School of the Arts
Filmmakers: Diego Garcia-Taborga, Alexander Carney, and Juan-Camacho
Advisor: Jim Stevens
View & Download
“Culture to us”
Humboldt County
Hoopa High School
Filmmakers: Brooklynn Kurtz, Julia Jackson, Sofia Myers, Phyre Sanchez, Ishakom MCConnell, Ivy Lamebear, and Sekoya Valentine
Advisor: Shoshoni Gensaw
View & Download
“Latino”
Kern County
CTEC
Filmmaker: Jacqueline Villatoro
Advisor: Lisa Krch
View & Download
Through the Lens of Culture – Group 2
First Place: “I Need Help Getting Help”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmaker: Sarah Everett
Advisor: Ella Harrison
View & Download
Second Place: “In Our Shoes”
Kern County
CTEC
Filmmakers: Miguel Valadez and Gurkirat Singh
Advisor: Lisa Krch
View & Download
Third Place (TIED): “Silenced”
Riverside County
Ramona High School
Filmmakers: Michael Lopez, Darla Salazar, Tommi Abueg, Vivian Saavedra, Adrian Marmolejo, Alan Sampel, Valery Armenta, Cassandra Macedonio, and Olivia Chavez
Advisor: Dacy Nottingham
View & Download
Third Place (TIED): “Mentally Changed”
San Diego County
Lincoln High School
Filmmakers: Taniya Cooksey and Shakur Jackson
Advisor: Eboni Harvey
View & Download
Fourth Place: “Expectations Of Immigrant Children”
Sacramento County
Elk Grove High School
Filmmakers: Armaan Dhillon, Helina Pham, Cadence Rinelli, and Simon Mehreteab
Advisor: Jennifer Moore
View & Download
Fifth Place: “Doctor, Engineer, Lawyer, or Failure”
Riverside County
Landmark Middle School
Filmmaker: Brooke Gondal
Advisor: Vanessa Hoang
View & Download
Through the Lens of Culture – Group 2
Honorable Mentions
“You Can’t Control Me Anymore”
San Mateo County
SafeSpace
Filmmakers: Grace Finke and Cameron Leung
Advisor: Annie Kim
View & Download
“Your Best is Enough”
Tulare County
Countryside Community Day
Filmmakers: Tony Varela, Alondra Contreras, Jocelin Ponce, Jocelyn Juarez, Yazmin Navidad, Kevin Mendoza, and Akayla Candelaria
View & Download
“Hope”
San Diego County
Helix Charter High School / NAMI
Filmmaker: Natalie P., Lizbeth S., Naralia B., Destiny J., Noami F., Helena P., and Ryan R.
Advisor: Irma Garcia
View & Download
“United By Humanity”
Riverside County
Ramona High School Peer Educators
Filmmakers: Caitlyn Garcia, Keila Esau, Angel Sosa, Nathan Johnson, Kevin Castillo, and Justin Daniel
Advisor: Anita Young, MTSS Liaison
View & Download
“We’re Still Human”
Riverside County
Temecula Valley High School
Filmmakers: Riley Barnhart, Gabriella Williams, Kathryn McChesney
Advisor: Kimberly Randall
View & Download
“Burnout”
Sacramento County
Elk Grove High School
Filmmakers: Isabella Dawson, Lauren Prum, Madilynn Fiksdal, and Hayley Watson
Advisor: Jennifer Moore
View & Download
“Dear Lee”
Fresno County
Sanger West High School
Filmmakers: Marisa Teran, Angel Tiffany Gago Manuel, and Mariah Spencer
Advisor: Sarah Soghomonian
View & Download
“Life Expectations”
San Diego County
SIATech
Filmmaker: Arisbeth Jaimes
Advisor: Jovita Cerda
View & Download
“We All Fall”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Cassie Pate and Carter Sweeney
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download
“1st Generation”
Fresno County
Sanger West High School
Filmmakers: Marcelo Aponte, Syre Yang, and Isabella Davis
Advisor: Sarah Soghomonian
View & Download
“Intersectional Mental Health Film”
San Diego County
San Diego Met High School
Filmmakers: Isabella Guerrero and Greyson Zuñíga
Advisor: Gini Mann-Deibert
View & Download
“Spot Me”
Los Angeles County
Leuzinger High School
Filmmakers: Nathan Mateo, Lisbet Bautista, Natalia Perez, and Marlon Ochoa
Advisor: Kevin Lee
View & Download
“Perfect Facade, Hidden Struggles”
San Mateo County
SafeSpace
Filmmakers: Heeseo Jeong, Isabela Duffy, Hannah Li, Helen Nguyen, and Alexa Hua
Advisor: Annie Kim
View & Download
“60 Sec. POC Mental Health Deep Dive”
Solano County
Vanden High School
Filmmakers: Jordan Marino and Aidan Hays
Advisor: Brent Manuel
View & Download
*****
2023 Animated Short Winners
First Place: “Seams”
Tri-City
Claremont High School
Filmmaker: Kathryn Ray
Advisor: Tamara Kirkpatrick
View & Download
Second Place: “Hand to Hold”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmaker: Parker Mae Suco
Advisor: Brad Clark
View & Download
Third Place: “The Void”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmaker: Gehrig Stevens
Advisor: Michael Peck
View & Download
Fourth Place: “Not Alone”
Los Angeles County
Grover Cleveland Charter High School
Filmmakers: Enoch Chao and Yesenia Herrera
Advisor: Jennifer Macon
View & Download
Fifth Place: “Their Room”
Orange County
University High School
Filmmaker: Moses Fleischman
Advisor: Hanna Adessi
View & Download
Honorable Mentions
“Finding The Signs”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmaker: Jasmine Constantino
Advisor: Brad Clark
View & Download
“BeThe1ToKnowTheSigns”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmaker: Jerome Kekoa Cabrera
Advisor: Brad Clark
View & Download
“Speaking Through The Dark”
Contra Costa County
Antioch Charter Academy II
Filmmakers: Eden Engle, Jiemea Zarate, Tessa Christensen, Zelia Barney, and Leah Clark
Advisor: Elisa McCutcheon
View & Download
“Saturation”
Monterey County
Notre Dame High School
Filmmakers: Sarah Roa and Kaitlyn Halton
Advisor: Emily Woodward
View & Download
“The Stars”
Santa Clara County
Mt. Pleasant High School
Filmmaker: Jocelyn Rodriguez
Advisor: Lawrence Caces
View & Download
“Save a Life”
Santa Clara County
Mt. Pleasant High School
Filmmaker: Ava Kemmerer
Advisor: Lawrence Caces
View & Download
“You’ll Be Okay”
Santa Clara County
Mt. Pleasant High School
Filmmaker: Sarah Denise Quicho
Advisor: Lawrence Caces
View & Download
“Talk to me”
Riverside County
Eleanor Roosevelt High school
Filmmaker: Eddy Lopez
Advisor: Jacob Fuller
View & Download
“What Friends Are For”
Sacramento County
Pleasant Grove High School
Filmmakers: Elijah Balais, Lealani Melendez, and Jennifer Singh
Advisor: Delaire Doyle
View & Download
“A Hand to Hold on”
San Mateo County
Burlingame High School
Filmmaker: Alexis Rodriguez
Advisor: Stephen Erle
View & Download
*****
2023 Walk in Our Shoes – The Superhero In Each of Us – Winners
First Place: “Help is Near”
Monterey County
North County Recreation and Park District
Filmmaker: Elijah Rivera
Advisor: Isai Rivera
View & Download
Second Place (TIED): “The Unforeseen”
San Mateo County
The Bayshore School
Filmmaker: Vicky Dai
Advisor: Marcus Dyson
View & Download
Second Place (TIED): “My Empty Feeling”
Ventura County
Rio del Sol STEAM School
Filmmakers: Chelsee Mira, Ellie Medina, Teresa Gastelum-Quintanilla, Mariah Lopez Corona, and Lena Spalluto
Advisor: Omar Espinoza
View & Download
Third Place: “There’s Always Hope”
Los Angeles County
Young Oak Kim Academy
Filmmakers: Janette Lorenzo and Stephanie Martinez
Advisor: Marika Tripodes
View & Download
2023 Walk in Our Shoes – The Superhero In Each of Us – Honorable Mentions
“Problems”
San Mateo County
The Bayshore School
Filmmakers: Giselle Sanchez Chavez, Lyric Sabado, and Czarhina Leary
Advisor: Marcus Dyson
View & Download
“Helping someone in need”
Orange County
Gordon Beatty Middle School
Filmmakers: Andrea, Jaxton, Alonso, and Victor
Advisor: Anthony Buncab
View & Download
“Harry’s Story”
Los Angeles County
Woodland Hills Academy
Filmmakers: Sylvi Mountain, Mason Orozco, Gil Avraham, and Elijah Butler
Advisor: Amanda Corrigan
View & Download
“In Plain Sight”
Los Angeles County
Woodland Hills Academy
Filmmakers: Macy Gunderson, Leiden Oviedo, Savannah Foster, and Kamilla Muhitdinova
Advisor: Amanda Corrigan
View & Download
“Walking in Our Shoes”
Stanislaus County
Spratling Middle School
Filmmakers: Nathalia Magallon, Tsunami Martinez, Kimberly Wagoner, Rosie Flores, Elijah Casillas, Emily Median, and Evelyn Collins
Advisor: Blanca Valencia
View & Download
“Overwhelmed”
Ventura County
Rio del Sol STEAM School
Filmmakers: Luisfelipe Ochoa, Kyle, Jordan Colin, Gianna Gonzalez, Dillon Molyneux, and Nehemiah Lewis
Advisor: Omar Espinoza
View & Download
“I’m ‘OK’”
San Mateo County
The Bayshore School
Filmmakers: Khloe Teano, Natalie Villagomez, and Jayla Nelson
Advisor: Marcus Dyson
View & Download
“You Are Not Alone”
Los Angeles County
Young Oak Kim Academy
Filmmakers: Benito Cayetano, Angelo Velasco, Jose Ascencio, and Jhony Sanchez
Advisor: Marika Tripodes
View & Download
“You’re Not Alone”
Riverside County
Landmark Middle School
Filmmakers: Lena Phan and Alezza Gallegos
Advisor: Vanessa Hoang
View & Download
2023 Walk in Our Shoes – What is Mental Health – Winners
First Place: “Reaching Out”
Orange County
Las Flores Middle School
Filmmakers: Anna Nguyen, Sophia Li, and Orion Bentley
Advisor: Roxanne Smathers
View & Download
Second Place: “Clarity”
Riverside County
David A Brown Middle School
Filmmakers: Kayla Chase, Sarina Adame, and Alexa Garcia
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
View & Download
Third Place: “You’re Not The Only One”
Ventura County
Rio del Sol STEAM School
Filmmakers: Jordan Enriquez, Jacob Lee, Thomas Lemos, and Oscar Perez
Advisor: Omar Espinoza
View & Download
2023 Walk in Our Shoes – What is Mental Health – Honorable Mentions
“Why It Matters”
Riverside County
David A Brown Middle School
Filmmakers: Genaro De La Fuente, Charles Tran, and Elidia Lopez
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
View & Download
“It’s ok to ask for help”
Orange County
Las Flores Middle School
Filmmakers: Orion Bentley, Cole Stevens, Nolan Choi, and Micah Reiss
Advisor: Roxanne Smathers
View & Download
“Through the Darkness”
Los Angeles County
Palms Middle School
Filmmakers: Eztli Corona, Naomi Downing, Edward Juan, and Udodirim Nwosu
Advisor: Irene Clark
View & Download
“Gonna Be Okay”
Ventura County
Rio del Sol STEAM School
Filmmakers: Cassidy Rohde and Isabella Kubanet
Advisor: Omar Espinoza
View & Download
“Half Court To Health”
San Diego County
San Pasqual Union
Filmmakers: Shelby Wester and Madelyn Murray
Advisor: Vincent Timpe
View & Download
“I See You”
Los Angeles County
Woodland Hills Academy
Filmmakers: Isabel Chico Roybal, London Blake-Flemings, Nevaeh Lemons-Greenfield, and Elideth Lopez
Advisor: Amanda Corrigan
View & Download
“Deceiving Appearances”
Los Angeles County
Woodland Hills Academy
Filmmakers: Yawsi Tayyeb, Oliver Reis, Erick Miguel, Carolina Rodriguez, Keyla Adrianto, Amy Paxtor, Jose Arevalo, Lila Cummings, Itzel Lopez, Gemma Martinez, and Sri Kyathi Chavakula
Advisor: Amanda Corrigan
View & Download
“Peaks And Valleys”
Los Angeles County
Twin Lakes School
Filmmakers: Khine Linn, Kenneth Rodriguez, and Izaiah Paiz
Advisor: Kenny Bowman
View & Download
“What Helps Me During Sensory Overloading?”
Mendocino County
Ukiah Independent Study
Filmmaker: Quinn Ayala
Advisor: Melea Meyer
View & Download
“Cry Out”
Ventura County
Rio del Sol STEAM School
Filmmakers: Nayeli Gonzalez, Michael Luney, Isayah Alvarez, Klaudette Iman, Jaden Ayala, and Jacob Lee
Advisor: Omar Espinoza
View & Download
“Our shoes”
Fresno County
Rio Vista Middle School
Filmmakers: Paitlynn Palmer, Tristan Barton, Sophia Echeveste, and Janessa Solis
Advisor: Krystle Pumarejo
View & Download
“Sparks Directing Change”
Los Angeles County
Sparks Middle School
Filmmakers: Isaac Porras, Alonso Salazar, Samantha Ruiz, Alanis Hernandez, Angela Gregorio, Roselyn Lopez, Bryan Guillen Moreno, Christian Nichols, Isaac Lepe, and Eduardo Hernandez
Advisor: Maria Valencia-Manahan
View & Download
2023 Walk in Our Shoes – Words Matter – Winners
First Place (TIED): “Haunted”
Los Angeles County
Castaic Middle School
Filmmakers: Karen Soares, Madison Lamb, and Asha Leeb
Advisor: Terry Parent
View & Download
First Place (TIED): “Check On Your Friends”
Riverside County
David A Brown Middle School
Filmmakers: Elidia Lopez, Charles Tran, Rene Ordoñez, and Ariadna “Ace” Nicanor
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
View & Download
Second Place: “Remember”
Orange County
Las Flores Middle School
Filmmakers: Alex Kaushek and Isabella Hernandez
Advisor: Roxanne Smathers
View & Download
Third Place: “Words”
Los Angeles County
Palms Middle School
Filmmakers: Madalyn Pine, Harlem DeAngelis, Daniel Henderson, and Zavier Shorts
Advisor: Irene Clark
View & Download
2023 Walk in Our Shoes – Words Matter – Honorable Mentions
“Out of The Darkness”
Orange County
Warner Middle School
Filmmakers: Dan Pham, Thu Huynh, Emily Martinez, and Aylin Atonal
Advisor: Kurt Reisig
View & Download
“Said Versus Understood”
Orange County
Las Flores Middle School
Filmmakers: Sophia Li and Anna Nguyen
Advisor: Roxanne Smathers
View & Download
“Walk in My Shoes (Do You Notice Me)”
Orange County
Warner Middle School
Filmmakers: Lynn Nguyen, Leo Luu, Elizabeth Lam, Thien Nguyen, Joanne Tran, and Van Pham
Advisor: Kurt Reisig
View & Download
“In My Eyes Through Yours”
Ventura County
Rio del Sol STEAM School
Filmmakers: Viviana Delgado, Genevieve Joseph, Arzola Fuller, Alexia Hernandez, Jazzlene Dominguez, Silvia Acosta, and Sadie Oropeza
Advisor: Omar Espinoza
View & Download
“Screen time is MY time”
Ventura County
Rio del Sol STEAM School
Filmmakers: Lorelai San Juan and Autumn Bonham-Madison
Advisor: Omar Espinoza
View & Download
“Words Can Be Weapons”
Orange County
Santiago Charter Middle School
Filmmakers: Michael Stanphill, Griffin Henninger, Sultan Rahman, Isabella Bonilla Franco, Millie Ruiz, Angelina Rosado, Ryan Ayoub, Christopher Bravo Romero, Petter Velarde, Blaise Burwell, Cailynn Grossman, and Logan Miyake
Advisor: Danny Chiang
View & Download
“Only a Text Away”
Humboldt County
Redwood Preparatory Charter School
Filmmakers: Teo Spagel, Lucia Misener, and Noah Pitts
Advisor: Kim Kendall
View & Download
“Influence of Stigma”
Humboldt County
Redwood Preparatory Charter School
Filmmakers: Mahayla Broussard, Scarlet Phyre, Claira Bowles, Clara Downing, and Vivian Morris
Advisor: Kim Kendall
View & Download
*****
2023 Hope & Justice Statewide Winners
First Place: “Querido Mexico”
Santa Clara County
Henry M. Gunn High School
Filmmakers: Pablo Schettino and Hugo Carlsson
Advisor: Edward Corpuz
View & Download
Second Place: “Forgotten Sorrows”
Riverside County
Heritage High School
Filmmakers: Genesis Morales and Jazmine Estrada
Advisor: Nicholis Kalantar
View & Download
Third Place: “My Hope for 2023: Belonging”
Solano County
Angelo Rodriguez High School
Filmmaker: Aaron Phelps
Advisor: Lynn Larsen
View & Download
2023 Hope & Justice – Honorable Mentions
“Laugh To Keep From Crying”
Los Angeles County
Intellectual Virtues Academy High School
Filmmakers: Maleek Clark, Ky Sanders, Da’Mirah Armstrong, and Darell Arch
Advisor: Stephanie Oderoha
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“Homeless”
Butte County
Table Mountain School
Filmmaker: Caleb (Tristan) Ritter
Advisor: Leonora King
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“People of Color vs Mental Illness”
Los Angeles County
Maywood Center For Enriched Studies
Filmmakers: Aime Haros, Camila Zamora, and Aylin Herrera
Advisor: Adrianna Ruvalcaba
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“My Anchor is Hope”
San Bernardino County
Sage Oak Charter Schools
Filmmaker: Neriah Tarver
Advisor: Jessica Perri
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“Finish Strong”
Los Angeles County
Saugus High School
Filmmakers: Caden Bazo, Jamie Lee Hyde, and Landon Blankenship
Advisor: Wade Williams
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“Made Not Born”
Riverside County
David A Brown Middle School
Filmmakers: Kalani Mativa, Elidia Lopez, and Arianna Cravens
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
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“The Importance of Respect”
Kern County
CTEC
Filmmakers: Ameerah Chatman, Hadleigh Wilson, and Ruben Chavez
Advisor: Lisa Krch
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“Search for Compassion”
Solano County
Angelo Rodriguez High School
Filmmaker: Aaron Phelps
Advisor: Lynn Larsen
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“Her Light”
Los Angeles County
East Valley High School
Filmmaker: Sasha
Advisor: Ms. May
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“A Brick Wall”
Riverside County
Landmark Middle School
Filmmaker: Christian Bolanos
Advisor: Vanessa Hoang
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“Coach Veronica’s Journey”
Orange County
Portola High School
Filmmakers: Sharon Chen, Emma Suh, Jonathan Kim, and Josiah Lee
Advisor: Tina Murphy
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“The Collapse”
Los Angeles County
Whittier Public Library
Filmmakers: Andrew Sanchez, Kevin Chastain, Ben Xavarria, Tony Cortez, John Hernandez, Ashley Sanchez, Kathleen Guevara, Gilbert Duran, and Martin Ornelas
Advisor: Jacqueline Sanchez
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*****
2023 Special Recognitions
The Directing Change Team wants to recognize these films for their creative filmmaking techniques and unique stories.
Special Recognition – Advocacy for Inclusion
“We’re Still Human”
Riverside County
Temecula Valley High School
Filmmakers: Riley Barnhart, Gabriella Williams, and Kathryn McChesney
Advisor: Kimberly Randall
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Special Recognition – Best Friends Award
“Out of the Dark”
San Bernardino County
Apple Valley High School
Filmmakers: Jessica Hernandez, Mia Zendejas, and Jade Schooley
Advisor: Taylor Martinez
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Special Recognition – Best Social Media Messaging
“Screen time is MY time”
Ventura County
Rio del Sol STEAM School
Filmmakers: Lorelai San Juan and Autumn Bonham-Madison
Advisor: Omar Espinoza
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Special Recognition – Best Song
“Don’t be afraid”
Los Angeles County
Fairfax High School
Filmmaker: Lucas T.
Advisor: Elly Calero
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Special Recognition – Character Design
“The Unforeseen”
San Mateo County
The Bayshore School
Filmmaker: Vicky Dai
Advisor: Marcus Dyson
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Special Recognition – Creative Storytelling
“Affects”
Tri-City
Marshall Middle School
Filmmakers: Dulce Beltran and Arleth Velasco
Advisor: Nicole Soussens
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“Always There”
Contra Costa County
Acalanes High School
Filmmakers: Nathan Dunn, Taylor Carlin, Cameron Thorton, Kathryn Grice, and Cooper Heyman
Advisor: Eric Morford
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“Feathers for Wings”
Ventura County
Frontier High School
Filmmaker: Adrianna Ward
Advisor: Monica Robles
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Special Recognition – Documentary
“Defining Mental Health”
San Mateo County
SafeSpace
Filmmakers: Isabela Duffy, Reza Nezam-Mafi, Maya Nieman, Heeseo Jeong, Hannah Li, Annabelle Hopkins, and Xamara Carrillo
Advisor: Annie Kim
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“Mental Health on Campus”
San Francisco County
George Washington High School
Filmmakers: Sophie Barr, Katy Yang, and Kaitlyn Kimber
Advisor: Steve Youn
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“Student Athlete Mental Health Awareness”
Riverside County
Valley View High School
Filmmakers: Alexander Herrera, Ezekiel Gomez, Keith Davis, Adan Sosa Arroyo Jr., and Jonathan De La Luz Del Real
Advisor: Jim Long
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“What is Mental Health”
San Francisco County
George Washington High School
Filmmakers: Kaitlyn Kimber, Linda Boyer-Chu, Yifan Yang, Kefan Yang, Kenia Machuca, Gale Kim Silvestro, Jenn Bowman, Lindsey Cooke, and Sofie Barr
Advisor: Steve Youn
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Special Recognition – Hopeful Messaging
“United By Humanity”
Riverside County
Ramona High School
Filmmakers: Caitlyn Garcia, Keila Esau, Angel Sosa, Nathan Johnson, Kevin Castillo, and Justin Daniel
Advisor: Christina Castro
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Special Recognition – Humor
“Suicide Prevention Legos”
San Luis Obispo County
Nipomo High School
Filmmakers: Francisco Gomez and Gahel Diaz
Advisor: Kelly Sutherland
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Special Recognition – Lived Experience
“Broken Spirit in a Lost Mind”
Los Angeles County
Sotomayor Arts & Science Magnet
Filmmakers: Edwin Suarez and John Adriano
Advisor: Jason Hayes
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“Let it Out and Trust in Your Mental Health”
Ventura County
BRITE
Filmmaker: Erasmo Corral
Advisor: Mitchell Boring
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Special Recognition – Online Interactions
“A text of hope”
San Diego County
Sage Creek High School
Filmmakers: Asher Frankel and Diana Salazar
Advisor: Sarah Hunter
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Special Recognition – Personal Story For Change
“Hope”
San Diego County
Helix Charter High School / NAMI
Filmmakers: Lizbeth Segura, Destiny Jennings, Helena Poole, Ryan Rengifo, Naomi Flores, Natalie Benitez, and Natalie Padilla
Advisor: Irma Garcia
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Special Recognition – Podcast
“Teenage healing”
San Mateo County
The Bayshore School
Filmmakers: Lulu Toaitiiti, Leslie Clark, Puna Tali, Rubyana Folau, and Rhianne Bataan
Advisor: Marcus Dyson
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Special Recognition – Script
“Culture Doesn’t Matter”
Fresno County
Clovis East High School
Filmmakers: Naima Marquez and Grace Yang
Advisor: Derrick Davis
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“The Gifts You Can Give”
Tri-City
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Nora Campbell, Naomi Flowers, Santiago Cifuentes, Anthony Juneau, and Jason McCoy
Advisor: Sara Hills
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“Your Best Is Enough”
Tulare County
Countryside Community Day
Filmmakers: Tony Varela, Alondra Contreras, Jocelin Ponce, Jocelyn Juarez, Yazmin Navidad, Kevin Mendoza, and Akayla Candelaria
Advisor: Lisa Jacobo
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Special Recognition – Spoken Word
“In My Mind”
Orange County
Irvine High School
Filmmakers: Aura Cisneros, Lana Phan, and Kaia Paul
Advisor: Elizabeth Keller
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“Laugh to Keep from Crying”
Orange County
Intellectual Virtues Academy High School
Filmmakers: Maleek Clark, Ky Sanders, Da’Mirah Armstrong, and Darell Arch
Advisor: Stephanie Oderoha
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“Lovelight”
Ventura County
BRITE
Filmmakers: Angelina Leanos
Advisor: Victoria Sayeg
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“Ocean of Thoughts”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmakers: Gabriella Castellon, Grant Taylor, and Drew Fatter
Advisor: Ella Harrison
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Special Recognition – Stage Presence
“An Experiment”
Los Angeles County
Louis Armstrong Middle School
Filmmaker: William Twoomey
Advisor: Harrison Coltun
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Past Films:
2022 Winners
2021 Winners
2020 Winners
2019 Winners
2018 Winners
2017 Winners
2016 Winners
2015 Winners
2014 Winners
2013 Winners
