Directing Change

Submission Categories

 

Judging Forms

Suicide Prevention

Every one of us has the power to save a life if we Know the Signs, Find the Words, and Reach Out. Entering a film in this category provides you with an opportunity to share information about suicide prevention, resources and the warning signs for suicide. Research shows that 60-80% of young people tell a friend that they are thinking about suicide, but less than 25% of those friends go on to seek help for that person. Visit the Know the Signs campaign website for more information about California’s suicide prevention campaign.

To ensure you score the highest possible points in this category and for important background information, tools and requirements review these links:

Check out this video for a brief overview of the Suicide Prevention submission category

To learn more about including content on suicide prevention as a filmmaker review:Preventing Suicide: A resource for filmmakers and others working on stage and screen

Description: This document from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) offers a wealth of information about the importance of covering suicide prevention in a competent and appropriate way. Included in the document are quick reference points for filmmakers, research on how films can impact the audience, and suggestions when creating films to promote suicide prevention.

Content Scoring Measures:

Be sure to review the disqualifying content information below to learn what to avoid in your film.

The film should communicate a message about suicide prevention that is hopeful and focused on what someone can do to prevent suicide such as reaching out to a friend and seeking support. Images and depictions of people struggling with thoughts of suicide often show them suffering alone and in silence. Instead the film should encourage people to ask for help, reach out to a friend they are concerned about, or to tell an adult if they are concerned about someone. Think of it this way: After someone watches your film what do you want them to do? How do you want them to feel, act or think differently? Here are a few examples of messages your film could communicate.

  • Know the Signs: Most people show one or more warning signs, so it is important to know the signs and take them seriously, especially if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Click here to learn the warning signs.
  • Don’t keep suicide a secret: It is okay to break a friend’s trust and share your concerns with an adult if you think your friend might be thinking about harming him or herself.
  • Reach out for help: The film should encourage people to ask for help, reach out to a friend they are concerned about, or if a person talks about ending his or her life, to take him or her seriously and connect him or her to help.
  • Find the Words: Asking someone “Are you thinking about suicide?” will not put thoughts of suicide in his or her mind.  In fact, asking this direct question is important.

Tips!
Although picking up someone’s books when they fall is a nice metaphor, it often takes more than “a simple act of kindness” to save a life.  
Remember that many people don’t know how they should respond to someone who is having thoughts of suicide. Use this opportunity to educate young people and others about what to do, such as talking directly about suicide, seeking help from a trusted adult or calling the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Be Original!  For one, be inspired by winning films from the past, but don’t copy their ideas! Since the suicide prevention category talks a lot about warning signs, using actual “signs” as a metaphor is creative and a great way to communicate the warning signs, but we receive a lot of submissions with this approach.  Think about communicating the message in a way that will really connect with other young people.

Safe Messaging Scoring Measures

All films have to consider safe messaging guidelines for suicide prevention. (Not following these guidelines can cause you to lose valuable points: 30 out of 100 possible points are related to safe messaging. Check out the official judging form to learn what judges will be scoring your film on).

Key Resources:

Provide a Suicide Prevention Resource
A key strategy to prevent suicide is to provide information about crisis and support resources.  You will be meeting this criteria by including the logo end slate (that you can find in the submission toolbox) that includes the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the website suicideispreventable.org. In addition, you may also include the Crisis Text Line (text “HOME” to 741741) as an additional resource in your film. Learn more about the Crisis Text Line here.

NEW: Do Not Use Statistics in Your Film
Do not use statistics and statements that portray suicide or a suicide attempt as something that happens all the time. It may seem compelling to get the audience’s attention by using statistics such as “a person dies by suicide every 18 minutes”. However, presenting the data in this format makes suicide seem common and might encourage a young person already thinking about ending their life to believe, mistakenly, that suicide is a common and acceptable solution to the problems they are facing – which is not true!  Statistics are a complex factor in creating safe suicide prevention messages, and including statistics about suicide will result in a significantly lower safe messaging score for your film in this contest, so we recommend avoiding them altogether.

Examples of statistics that should be avoided:

  • “A person dies by suicide every 18 minutes.”
  • “Every 40 seconds someone attempts suicide.”
  • “Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 18-24.”

Remember, this category is focused on raising awareness of prevention, not just convincing people that suicide is a problem.

Do not oversimplify the causes of suicide or how to get better. Suicide should not be framed as an explanation or understandable response to an individual’s stressful situation (e.g. a result of not getting into college, parent’s divorce, break-up or bullying) or to an individual’s membership in a group encountering discrimination. Oversimplification of suicide in any of these ways can mislead people to believe that it is a normal response to fairly common life circumstances. It is okay to talk about life problems that may increase a person’s risk of suicide such as family issues (divorce, abuse) or social issues (bullying, break ups). And to talk about these life problems as a possible contributing factor to why a young person might be feeling hopeless, drinking more or isolating themselves (which are warning signs for suicide), but the film should not point to just one of these events as the cause of suicide. The truth is that not one of these events causes suicide, usually a person is dealing with multiple tough situations and is showing warning signs.

Use appropriate language when addressing actions related to suicide. The suicide prevention community is trying to clarify the ways in which people refer to actions related to suicide. The more clear and respectful we can when speaking about actions related to suicide, the more we will be able to remove misconceptions that prevent people from getting support.

Use Don’t Use
“died by Suicide” or “took their own life” “committed suicide” Note: Use of the word commit can imply crime/sin
“attempted suicide” “successful/completed” or “unsuccessful” attempt Note: There is no success, or lack of success, when dealing with suicide


Disqualifying Content:

Submissions that include this type of content, or deemed to contain inappropriate content, will be disqualified. Please note changes for 2021-2022 program year:

1. The film SHOULD NOT include portrayals of suicide deaths or attempts (such as a person jumping off a building or bridge, or holding a gun to their head). New this year: Films should also avoid showing actions or steps leading up to an attempt (i.e. standing on a bridge, holding pills). Portraying actions related to suicide attempts and showing items someone might use for a suicide attempt even in dramatization, can increase chances of an attempt by someone who might be thinking about suicide and exposed to the film.

Be creative and cautious:  There are other ways to demonstrate that someone is thinking about suicide without showing a weapon or other items used in an attempt. Can you convey the sentiment you are seeking without showing this? In general it is best to avoid showing images of ways people might attempt suicide, especially weapons. If you are considering showing items someone might use for a suicide attempt in your film, we strongly encourage you to think about the purpose and benefit of including this in your film. Please note: while we have always asked youth to not show suicide attempts or deaths, we are also asking youth to avoid showing items, even in consideration, that may be used in a suicide attempt. Remember, it is at the discretion of the Directing Change Team to disqualify films that are deemed to have a potentially harmful message.

ALL FILMS WITH DEPICTIONS OF WEAPONS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED! In addition, it is at the discretion of the Directing Change Team to disqualify films that are deemed to have a potentially harmful message or image.

Important to remember: In general it is best to avoid showing images of ways people might attempt suicide, especially weapons.  Also consider that showing images of items/ways people might harm themselves might also be disturbing to those who have lost someone to suicide. Remember, we are focused on prevention and the most important part is educating others about how to help. If you have any questions about this, please contact us!

2. The film should be sensitive to racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation and gender differences, with all individuals realistically and respectfully depicted.

Mental Health

Research shows that half of all mental illnesses start by age 14 and three-quarters start by age 24. But, an average of 6 to 8 years pass after the symptoms of mental illness begin, before young people get help. Entering a film in this category provides you with an opportunity to share the truth about mental health and the importance of supporting a friend to get help. Sometimes the most important first step is to end the silence about mental illness and openly talk about it. Your film can help start these conversations!

To ensure you score the highest possible points in this category and for important background information, tools, and requirements review these links:

Check out this video for a brief overview of the Mental Health submission category

Content Scoring Measures: 

You are in a unique position to give people who are living with mental health challenges what they, just like anyone else, truly deserve – friendship, support, or simply a respectful conversation – that helps them live a full and productive life.

1. Films should tell a positive and educational story that encourages young people to reach out for support when they need it, show them how to support others, and/or inspire the viewer to join the mental health movement to create more equitable and supportive communities.   The film should have a positive and informative message of support, acceptance, hope, and/or recovery related to mental health challenges. We are looking to you to tell a story about learning more about mental health, getting help, or how to support a friend or family member that is going through tough times.

This fact sheet provides examples of how someone can offer support to a friend or family member who is experiencing a mental illness, as well as some guidelines for reaching out to someone who shows symptoms of a mental illness.

2. Films should communicate a message that inspires the viewer to take action. Think of it this way:  After someone watches your film what do you want them to do? How do you want them to feel, act or think differently?   Here are a few examples of messages your film could communicate.

  • Talk openly. Your film can emphasize that it is acceptable to talk about mental health challenges and to support friends and loved ones with such challenges. Stigma and fear thrive in silence, so why not use your film to show people having difficult conversations, being honest about their experiences, and saying the things people are afraid to talk about. Don’t just say “It’s okay to talk,” show the viewer how to do it.
  • Stand up for others. Your film can demonstrate the importance of young people standing up for themselves or those living with a mental health challenge who are being harassed, bullied, and excluded, or in some other way discriminated against.  This may also include interactions in online communities (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, texting). Some specific examples you can offer might include:
    • Point it out if a friend makes an insensitive comment about people experiencing mental illness.
    • Avoid using words such as “crazy”, “psycho” or “nuts” to describe someone with mental illness.
    • Have conversations with friends or family members about the importance of mental health and supporting those with mental health challenges.
  • Be supportive. Show ways in which friends or family members can support someone experiencing a mental health challenge. Visit the Submission Toolbox for additional information, but here are a few examples you can highlight in your film:
    • Listen or talk with them
    • Ask what you can do to help
    • Provide emotional support; “be there”
    • Reassure your friend or family member that you still care about him/her
    • Educate yourself about your friend or family member’s illness
    • Connect your friend or family member to resources and encourage help-seeking
    • Let them know help is available
    • Maintain a non-judgmental attitude; accept them for who they are
    • Support your friend or family member’s healthy behaviors, such as exercising or getting enough sleep
    • Speak up if they are being teased or bullied
  • Become a mental health advocate. This is a young adult’s issue: mental health challenges most often show up between the ages of 14-24. Show youth wearing the lime green ribbon, telling their story, and using their voice (by speaking up on social media, voting, volunteering in their community) to help create a more equitable California. To learn how to get support for your mental health and help others, visit takeaction4mh.com and share the website as a resource in your film.

  • Get the facts. Your film could illustrate that a diagnosis of mental illness does not define a person and debunk the myths that say mental illness is something to fear or ignore.
    • Fact: Recovery is possible. A person experiencing mental health challenges can live a happy, successful, and productive life.
    • Fact: Anyone can experience a mental illness at some point in their lives. In fact, 1 in 5 people experience a mental health challenge in their lifetime.
  • Don’t wait to get help. Your film can let people know that there is help out there for people living with a mental illness. That treatment and support work and that most people who experience a mental health challenge can recover, especially if treated early. Approximately 1 in 5 youth ages 13 to 18 experiences a mental health challenge, but young people wait 6 to 8 years from onset of symptoms before getting help.

3. Films must use person-first language, which refers to people who are living with mental health challenges as part of their full-life experience, not people who are defined by their mental health challenges.  Using person-first language respectfully puts the person before the illness.  Using such language reinforces the idea that despite what people with mental illness experience, they are still people!  Using person-first language helps steer clear of stigmatizing language that may lead to discriminatory ideals.

Use:  Do not use:
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.  I am bipolar.
She is experiencing a mental health challenge.  She is mentally ill.
People living with mental health challenges.   The mentally ill.
He has schizophrenia.  He is schizophrenic.
She experiences symptoms of depression.  She suffers from depression.

4. Films need to be about young people (12-25).  Please keep in mind that the film does not have to solely focus on youth; however, youth need to have some kind of role or voice in the film.  Keep in mind that the person in the film with mental illness does not have to be in the youth age range, but the film must depict how the youth can support the person with mental illness (i.e. students supporting a teacher with mental illness).

Why this matters: Too often young people wait a long time from the time they first experience symptoms of mental illness to the time they get help. This delay can lead to worsening of all the problems associated with stigma, further taunting, and increasing mental health challenges. It is important to create a film that speaks to youth and emphasizes that the sooner that someone gets help, the less time a person suffers in silence.

Disqualifying Content:

1. Films cannot use terms like “crazy” and “psycho” without explicitly communicating to the audience that these terms are unacceptable. If the film does not verbally communicate that using derogatory terms are unwelcome, the film will be disqualified. Our recommendation is to avoid labels of any kind in order to keep the message positive. Some labels to avoid are:

Mentally ill                                   Cuckoo
Emotionally disturbed               Maniac
Insane                                            Lunatic
Crazy                                              Looney
Odd                                                Wacko
Abnormal

Why this matters:  It is important that films do not reinforce stereotypes and labels that could keep people from seeking help. Although there are many ways to show disapproval when using derogatory terms (i.e. body language), it is important to verbally communicate that using such terms is hurtful and inappropriate. Find more information on stigmatizing words and how to avoid using them here.

2. Films cannot include developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc. Though the difference between development disabilities and mental illness is not cut and dry, it is best to avoid making a film about developmental disabilities and instead focus on mental health and/or mental health challenges.  Mental health challenges common to young people include: Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Eating Disorders, self-harm, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as issues that may not have a diagnosis, but have challenging symptoms that deserve attention and care. For a comprehensive list, please visit NAMI.org

3. Films should be sensitive to racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation and gender differences, with all individuals realistically and respectfully depicted.

4. Films should be careful not to accidentally reinforce stereotypes of people living with a mental health challenge such as: being dangerous or violent, disabled or homeless, helpless, or being personally to blame for their condition. Although popular culture and the media often associate mental illness with crimes or acting violently, people living with mental illness are more likely to be victims of crime. It is important to steer clear of perpetuating myths and stereotypes in order to produce an accurate, respectful, and mindful film.

Through the Lens of Culture

By submitting a film to the Through the Lens of Culture category, young filmmakers are encouraged to explore the topics of suicide prevention and mental health through the lens of a particular culture. It is important to note that all of the submission requirements that are part of the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health categories still apply but with an additional level of complexity and creativity focused on culture.

There are many different definitions for culture, but here is the one we use for the purposes of providing direction to our filmmakers: Culture is the characteristics and perspectives of a particular group of people, defined by everything from language, ethnicity, nationality, religion, cuisine, social habits, sexual orientation, a shared experience, music, arts and more. And when it comes to mental health and suicide prevention culture can influence how and if we talk about these topics, whether or not we seek help, what kind of help, and from whom.

To ensure you score the highest possible points in this category and for important background information, tools, and requirements review these links:

Check out this video for a brief overview of the Through the Lens of Culture submission category

In addition to the Content scoring measures below, films in this category must also meet the following criteria:

1. Films must be 60 seconds in length (this includes the required end slate but does not include the required title slide).

2. All films need to include captioning. Films are encouraged to be submitted in languages other than English, but all films in this category are required to include captioning, even if the film is in English.

WHY?

  • If the film is in English, captioning is required to allow for the wide dissemination of the films to all people including communities such as the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or English Language Learners.
  • These films will be used in a variety of settings and evaluated by a panel of judges. To assist the judging process, knowing that it will be difficult to have a panel of judges for each language, films must have English closed captioning to assist in fair scoring of films.
  • We encourage films in all languages and are hopeful to receive submissions in sign language and appropriate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Visit the submission toolbox for tips and support if you are interested in this!

What is the difference between captioning and subtitles?

  • Captioning (also called closed captioning),  is commonly used as a service to aid deaf and hearing-impaired audiences. They usually appear as white text within a black box, appearing a second or two after being spoken.
  • Subtitling is most frequently used as a way of translating a medium into another language so that speakers of other languages can enjoy it.
  • You do not need to use closed captioning or subtitling software to include captioning in your film. What we are looking for is for your film to include text in English that allows the viewer to fully comprehend your film, whether because of a linguistic barrier or hearing impairment. The primary goal of captions and subtitles is expanding audiences and allowing everyone to enjoy your film!

For more information about closed captioning click here.

Content Scoring Measures:

In addition to the mental health or suicide prevention criteria, films entered into the “Through the Lens of Culture” category should explore suicide prevention or mental health through the lens of a particular culture.  Your film should send a positive message about the importance of supporting others and how people can play a vital role in ensuring that all young people regardless of their culture, or group association, get the help they need. A film might do a wonderful job in presenting information about or from the perspective of a particular culture, but does it also make a connection to how this influences help-seeking, suicide prevention, mental health, mental illness, and/or reducing stigma related to mental illness? This can be done in many different ways and here are a few ideas:

  • Explore how reducing mental health stigma and encouraging people to seek help might look different depending on our culture and the way we were brought up. Your film could dispel myths and misconceptions about mental health and suicide prevention that might be prevalent in a particular culture and show that seeking help is not shameful, mental illnesses are common and treatable, and recovery is possible.
  • Explore generational differences. The way we think about and talk about mental health and suicide can be influenced by generational differences between grandparents and parents, or parents and children.  To educate an older generation about the warning signs of suicide, acceptance, or about the importance of supporting young people’s mental health and getting help, you might want to consider creating your film in their primary language and to think about specific views and terms about suicide or mental health that they have grown up with.
  • Demonstrate how cultural groups can provide support and strength when dealing with mental health challenges or emotional crises. Characteristics, traditions, healing practices, and other support from our culture can be protective and positively impact our mental health.
  • Inspire Action. Be creative and create a message that will inspire positive action about mental health or suicide prevention. Think of it this way:  After someone watches this film what are they asked to do? Will the film inspire them to feel, act or think differently?  We want the films to be action-oriented and encourage change and support. For instance, where to get help, how to offer support to someone, how to get involved, or learn more information.  We have asked our young filmmakers to be creative:  To not just tell someone what to do, but show them how to do this.  For example:
    • If you are creating a film from the perspective of the LGBTQ community, you can recommend individuals to join a GSA club.
    • Another possibility could be to encourage faith leaders to be aware of the warning signs of suicide and more accepting of people with mental illness. A great resource is Mental Health Ministries.

These are just a few examples, but think about how you want people who watch your film to feel, think, or act differently.

Tip! This is a very competitive category and we encourage you to view some of the films that were submitted last year. For your film to score high, it is important to connect culture with suicide prevention and mental health and to explore how the culture you chose to focus on influences openly talking about these topics among friends and family members, seeking help and supporting others. For example, it is great to create a film in Spanish, Chinese, or using sign language, but take it a step further and focus on cultural perspectives, cultural strengths, or cultural practices that might encourage people who are part of that culture to seek help or show how loved ones can support someone in distress. If you are going to attempt to make a film from the perspective of arts or dance culture (or something similar), it is not enough to show people creating art or dancing in your film; take it a step further and demonstrate how being part of these cultures can influence young people’s thoughts about suicide and mental health, getting help, offering support and standing up for others.

See note below in “What Not To Do!” about how it is okay to talk about how life problems and cultural factors may impact a person’s ability to talk about their problems or seek help or that increase a person’s risk for suicide such as family issues (pressure to succeed, acculturation, gender identity) or social issues (bullying, break-ups). And to talk about these issues and life problems as a possible contributing factor to why a young person might be feeling hopeless, drinking more or isolating themselves (which are warning signs for suicide), but the film should not point to just one of these events as the cause of suicide.

What Not To Do!

Films should avoid sending the message that any particular culture is more at risk for suicide or more likely to develop mental illness.

  • People from all cultures are affected by mental illness and suicide. It is important that the message of the film does not reinforce negative stereotypes. For example, the film should not insinuate that just by being part of a culture or group, a person is more likely to attempt suicide or have a mental illness. By using data inappropriately, or making generalities, the film might inadvertently increase stigma or reduce protective factors around suicide.
  • For example, avoid making statements that people from a particular group are more at risk of developing a mental illness or more likely to attempt suicide.
  • Remember that it is okay to talk about life problems and cultural factors that may impact a person’s ability to talk about their problems or seek help or that increase a person’s risk for suicide such as family issues (pressure to succeed, acculturation, gender identity) or social issues (bullying, break-ups). And to talk about these issues and life problems as possible contributing factors to why a young person might be feeling hopeless, drinking more, or isolating themselves (which are warning signs for suicide), but the film should not point to just one of these events as the cause of suicide.  The truth is that not one of these events causes suicide and usually a person is dealing with multiple tough situations and is showing warning signs.

And please remember to carefully read the Disqualification Sections for the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health categories. This includes:

  • Portrayals of suicide deaths or attempts (such as a person jumping off a building or bridge, or holding a gun to their head). Portraying suicide attempts and means, even in dramatization, can increase the chances of an attempt by someone who might be thinking about suicide and exposed to the film. Note: Films should also avoid showing actions or steps leading up to an attempt (e.g., standing on a bridge, holding pills).
  • Insensitivity to racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, gender, or other cultural diversities. All individuals should be realistically and respectfully depicted.
  • Use of terms like “crazy” and “psycho” without explicitly communicating to the audience that these terms are unacceptable. If the film does not verbally communicate that using derogatory terms is unwelcome, the film will be disqualified. Our recommendation is to avoid labels of any kind in order to keep the message positive.
  • Including developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc. Though the difference between developmental disabilities and mental illness is not cut and dry, it is best to avoid making a film about developmental disabilities and instead focus on mental health and/or mental health challenges.
  • Accidentally reinforcing stereotypes of people living with a mental health challenge such as: being dangerous or violent, disabled or homeless, helpless, or being personally to blame for their condition. Although popular culture and the media often associate mental illness with crime or acting violently, people living with mental illness are more likely to be victims of crime. It is important to steer clear of perpetuating myths and stereotypes in order to produce an accurate, respectful, and mindful film.

Animated Short

Animation is a medium unlike any other because it has the ability to bring together technology and storytelling with the application of sound, visuals, and design. For the purpose of this category, we refer to the Oxford English definition of animation: “The technique of photographing successive drawings or positions of puppets or models to create an illusion of movement when the film is shown as a sequence.” Entering a film in the Animated Short category provides you with an opportunity to share information about the warning signs for suicide and how to support a friend, through the magic of animation.

When it comes to suicide prevention, every one of us has the power to save a life if we – “Know the Signs, Find the Words, and Reach Out.” Research shows that 60-80% of young people tell a friend that they are thinking about suicide, but less than 25% of those friends go on to seek help for that person. Visit the Know the Signs campaign website for more information about California’s suicide prevention campaign.

Is animation more work? Yes! A greater challenge? Absolutely! We only ask for this film to be 30-seconds long and we can offer a larger cash prize to sweeten the pot.

To ensure you score the highest possible points in this category and for important background information, tools and requirements review these links:

In addition to following the Content Scoring Measures below, films in this category must also meet the following criteria:

  • Films must be animated (All animation styles are allowed – 2D, 3D, stop motion, Lego, etc.)
  • All work must be original and created by the youth. No use of premade templates or models or from *AI should be used.
      • *Animation that is a product of AI is not allowed. AI models are based on millions of images, including artists’ work, therefor this is not considered to be original.
  • Films must be 30-seconds in length (this includes the required end slate but does not include the required title slide)
  • Films are required to visually incorporate one of these three hashtags:
    1. #Bethe1ToKnowtheSigns
    2. #Bethe1ToFindtheWords
    3. #Bethe1ToReachOut

Content Scoring Measures:

The film should communicate a message about suicide prevention that is hopeful and focused on what someone can do to prevent suicide such as reaching out to a friend and seeking support. Films are encouraged to focus on one or more of these key messages:

    • #Bethe1ToKnowtheSigns: Have your film educate others about the warning signs for suicide.  Most people show one or more warning signs, so it is important to know the signs and take them seriously, especially if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Click here to learn the warning signs.
    • #Bethe1ToFindtheWords:  Communicate that it is okay to break a friend’s trust and share your concerns with an adult if you think your friend might be thinking about harming him or herself.  Remember:  Asking someone “Are you thinking about suicide?” will not put thoughts of suicide in his or her mind.  In fact, asking this direct question is important.
    • #Bethe1ToReachOut: The film can encourage people to ask for help, reach out to a friend they are concerned about, or if a person talks about ending his or her life, to take him or her seriously and connect him or her to help.

Tips!
Although picking up someone’s books when they fall is a nice metaphor, it often takes more than “a simple act of kindness” to save a life.  
Remember that many people don’t know how they should respond to someone who is having thoughts of suicide. Use this opportunity to educate young people and others about what to do, such as talking directly about suicide, seeking help from a trusted adult, or calling the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Be Original!  For one, be inspired by winning films from the past, but don’t copy their ideas! Since the suicide prevention category talks a lot about warning signs, using actual “signs” as a metaphor is creative and a great way to communicate the warning signs, but we receive a lot of submissions with this approach.  Think about communicating the message in a way that will really connect with other young people.

NEW: Speaking of being original- Is AI allowed?

The use of AI to create any part of your film (including but not limited to: script, background, editing, etc) is not allowed. AI models are based on millions of images, including artists’ work, therefor this is not considered to be original work. As artists, storytellers and filmmakers we ask that you act with honesty, integrity and respect as you create your films for this contest.

Safe Messaging Scoring Measures

All films have to consider safe messaging guidelines for suicide prevention. (Not following these guidelines can cause you to lose valuable points: 30 out of 100 possible points are related to safe messaging. Check out the official judging form to learn what judges will be scoring your film on).

Key Resources:

Provide a Suicide Prevention Resource
A key strategy to prevent suicide is to provide information about crisis and support resources.  You will be meeting these criteria by including the logo end slate that includes the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the website suicideispreventable.org. In addition, you may also include the Crisis Text Line (text “HOME” to 741741) as an additional resource in your film. Learn more about the Crisis Text Line here.

Do Not Use Statistics in Your Film
Do not use statistics and statements that portray suicide or a suicide attempt as something that happens all the time. It may seem compelling to get the audience’s attention by using statistics such as “a person dies by suicide every 18 minutes”. However, presenting the data in this format makes suicide seem common and might encourage a young person already thinking about ending their life to believe, mistakenly, that suicide is a common and acceptable solution to the problems they are facing – which is not true!  Statistics are a complex factor in creating safe suicide prevention messages, and including statistics about suicide will result in a significantly lower safe messaging score for your film in this contest, so we recommend avoiding them altogether.

Examples of statistics that should be avoided:

  • “A person dies by suicide every 18 minutes.”
  • “Every 40 seconds someone attempts suicide.”
  • “Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 18-24.”

Remember, this category is focused on raising awareness of prevention, not just convincing people that suicide is a problem.

Do not oversimplify the causes of suicide or how to get better. Suicide should not be framed as an explanation or understandable response to an individual’s stressful situation (e.g. a result of not getting into college, parent’s divorce, break-up or bullying) or to an individual’s membership in a group encountering discrimination. Oversimplification of suicide in any of these ways can mislead people to believe that it is a normal response to fairly common life circumstances. It is okay to talk about life problems that may increase a person’s risk of suicide such as family issues (divorce, abuse) or social issues (bullying, breakups). And to talk about these life problems as a possible contributing factor to why a young person might be feeling hopeless, drinking more or isolating themselves (which are warning signs for suicide), but the film should not point to just one of these events as the cause of suicide. The truth is that not one of these events causes suicide, usually a person is dealing with multiple tough situations and is showing warning signs.

Use appropriate language when addressing actions related to suicide. The suicide prevention community is trying to clarify the ways in which people refer to actions related to suicide. The more clear and respectful we can when speaking about actions related to suicide, the more we will be able to remove misconceptions that prevent people from getting support.

Use Don’t Use
“died by suicide” or “took their own life” “committed suicide” Note: Use of the word commit can imply crime/sin
“attempted suicide” “successful/completed” or “unsuccessful” attempt Note: There is no success, or lack of success, when dealing with suicide


Disqualifying Content:

Submissions that include this type of content, or deemed to contain inappropriate content, will be disqualified.

Submissions that include this type of content, or deemed to contain inappropriate content, will be disqualified.

1. The film SHOULD NOT include portrayals of suicide deaths or attempts (such as a person jumping off a building or bridge, or holding a gun to their head). New: Films should also avoid showing actions or steps leading up to an attempt (i.e. standing on a bridge, holding pills). Portraying actions related to suicide attempts and showing items someone might use for a suicide attempt even in dramatization, can increase the chances of an attempt by someone who might be thinking about suicide and exposed to the film.

Be creative and cautious:  There are other ways to demonstrate that someone is thinking about suicide without showing a weapon or other items used in an attempt. Can you convey the sentiment you are seeking without showing this? In general, it is best to avoid showing images of ways people might attempt suicide, especially weapons. If you are considering showing items someone might use for a suicide attempt in your film, we strongly encourage you to think about the purpose and benefit of including this in your film. Please note: while we have always asked youth to not show suicide attempts or deaths, this year we are asking youth to avoid showing items, even in consideration, that may be used in a suicide attempt. Remember, it is at the discretion of the Directing Change Team to disqualify films that are deemed to have a potentially harmful message.

ALL FILMS WITH DEPICTIONS OF WEAPONS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED! In addition, it is at the discretion of the Directing Change Team to disqualify films that are deemed to have a potentially harmful message or image.

Important to remember: In general it is best to avoid showing images of ways people might attempt suicide, especially weapons.  Also, consider that showing images of items/ways people might harm themselves might also be disturbing to those who have lost someone to suicide. Remember, we are focused on prevention and the most important part is educating others about how to help. If you have any questions about this, please contact us!

2. The film should be sensitive to racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, and gender differences, with all individuals being realistically and respectfully depicted.

Walk in Our Shoes

While we all experience different things in life, there’s more that unites us than divides us. We’re all on the same journey — we’re just in different shoes.

Your challenge is to create a film that shows what it’s like to “walk in the shoes” of someone experiencing a mental health challenge. It should help people develop compassion for the challenges that others may be facing, and show what actions can be taken to help.

Maybe you have a friend or family member who has been through a mental health challenge, maybe you’ve been through something yourself, or maybe this is something that hasn’t come up in your life yet. Whatever your experience has been, you can be a part of starting more conversations about mental health and helping create more supportive communities. Visit walkinourshoes.org or review this handout for more information.

New this year: Walk in Our Shoes is one combined category this year (no sub-categories!) where you can talk about either mental health or suicide prevention.

Important Information and Links:

  • You must be in middle school to submit a film to this category.
  • Your film must be 60 seconds in length (including the required end slate, but not including the title slide).
  • Required end slate: Note: End slate has been updated as of November 2023.
  • Messaging:
    • You cannot show suicide attempts or deaths in your film. This includes not showing guns, ropes, or pill bottles in your film.
    • Your film cannot use any statistics.
    • Your film should be respectful of different people and cultures.
  • Walk in Our Shoes Toolbox – This includes a variety of resources and links to help you with research for your film as well as a submission checklist.
  • Walk in Our Shoes Judging Form

Step 1: Create a story about walking in someone else’s shoes – and make sure it connects to mental health or suicide prevention.

Create a film that looks at the world through someone else’s eyes. Your film could show the challenges that someone might face if they feel like they have lost their strength or reason for living. Or your film could teach people about mental health, how to get support or give support to someone dealing with a mental health challenge, how to build better mental health or the importance of using kind and accurate language around mental health. Here are some suggestions on what your film can cover:

  • How can putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes help us understand what they are feeling or going through? Why is empathy important?
  • We talk a lot about physical health, but what does “mental health” mean?
  • What is the difference between mental health and mental illness?
  • Why can words like “crazy” be hurtful?
  • How could you support a friend or classmate who is dealing with a mental health challenge?
  • How could someone build better mental health?
  • How can someone tell that a person may no longer want to live?
  • What could an ordinary person do to help?
  • What resources could you turn to for help if you or someone you knew was thinking about suicide?

* Resources for suicide prevention-focused films:

* Resources for mental health-focused films:

HINTS:
 It should still be a story! Don’t just write a list of definitions but tell us the story of a person who is building better mental health.

 Be original! Don’t just have your film be putting sticky notes on someone and then taking it off… Instead, think about what is the effect of mental illness labels on someone? How do we get rid of these kinds of labels? What kinds of words can we use to replace these mean words in our everyday language (for example, instead of calling your busy day “insane” or “crazy”, say “ridiculous” or “hectic”).

Films should explicitly be about mental health or suicide prevention, not bullying. While we do receive some films about bullying, bullying is not the topic of this category and the Directing Change Program is not focused on bullying but rather mental health and suicide prevention. Bullying films do not fit this topic area unless you directly link how experiencing bullying affects someone’s mental health; showing a story about someone being bullied and saying “sorry” at the end does not educate viewers on mental health or how to build mental wellness. Historically, films focused solely on bullying have done very poorly in this contest as they do not fit the requirements of this category. 

Step 2: Your film should include at least one action that someone could do to help someone else and/or get help for themselves. Feel free to come up with your own actions, but here are some examples:

  • Learn where to find support (like hotlines that are available 24/7)
  • Change the words you use to talk about mental illness
  • Support someone going through a difficult time
  • Speak up when others aren’t supportive
  • Tell a trusted adult if someone is talking about suicide or is harming themselves
  • Start conversations about mental health on campus or with friends to make it easier for others to talk about what they’re feeling and to get support
  • Don’t wait — get help from a professional if you’re struggling with a mental health challenge

Step 3: Make sure your film is 60 seconds long and has the required end slate and title slide!

Pro Tip: Be sure to view the lessons and activities before creating your film to get the most points possible for your film!

Hope and Justice

Please visit our new Hope & Justice website for contest information, monthly prompt announcements, and our gallery!

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