The Directing Change Program & Film Contest recently announced regional winners and statewide finalists for its 2023 student film competition, in which young people across the state applied their creativity to projects centered on suicide prevention, awareness of mental health resources, destigmatizing mental illness, and strategies for coping through tough times. Through its contests, Directing Change engages youth by providing lesson plans and instructional tools to educators and educational resources to students. Youth apply this knowledge to their own unique message about suicide prevention and mental health by creating films and art.
Several of the films created by Los Angeles County youth will be screened and recognized at the program’s 11th Annual Screening and Award Ceremony on May 16th hosted at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel. Reserve your free ticket here: https://directingchangeca.org/2023-award-ceremony/
Directing Change was founded on the idea that stories are one of the most powerful tools for elevating conversations around critical health topics, changing norms, challenging harmful perceptions, and inspiring action toward more inclusive communities. The program encourages young people to be courageous and genuine, using their creative talents and artistry not only for self-expression and entertainment, but to make a difference as well.
The way youth participants describe their films highlights some of the vital messages at the center of the contest. For instance, the students behind “Your Friend, Avery” shared that the film “demonstrates the importance of having companionship in hard times. It shows how important it is for someone to know when friends, family, or acquaintances are suffering. And it shows that a simple act of comfort can bring hope to someone when it seems like there is none. At the same time, the video also shows that it’s okay for someone dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts to let others know that they are suffering. It’s okay to ask for help and [important] to realize that you are not alone.” Meanwhile, the filmmakers who created “Not All Smiles Are Smiles,” wrote that their film “shows how someone can prevent suicide from happening by reaching out to a trusted adult for help, [such as a] therapist or counselor. In [our] video, we focus on the importance of taking someone seriously when they express thoughts of suicide.”
The following films from Los Angeles County all placed in their respective categories. Thank you to the young filmmakers for sharing such powerful messages!
Suicide Prevention
First Place: “Your Friend, Avery”
John F Kennedy High School
Filmmakers: Miles Gardin, Yelena Reyes Mata
Advisor: Aaron Lemos
Link: https://vimeo.com/801108650
Second Place: “I Am Not Alone”
Inglewood High School/ City Honors Academy
Filmmakers: Elizabeth Perez, Lena Barret, Sergio de la Torre,
Advisor: Tadeo Huazo
Link: https://vimeo.com/805411004
Third Place (Tie): “We Are All in This Together”
Valley Oaks Center for Enriched Studies Media Magnet
Filmmaker: Matthew Roque
Advisor: Jamal Speakes
Link: https://vimeo.com/801752273
Third Place (Tie): “We’ve Never Been Closer”
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Liam Plunier, Louis Nolte
Advisor: Sara Hills
Link: https://vimeo.com/803229120
Mental Health
First Place Mental Health: “Overthinking”
Lloyde High School
Filmmaker: Gabe Martinez
Advisor: Kevin Brown
Link: https://vimeo.com/803274910
Second Place: “Life in Time Lapse”
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Hannah Swiatek, Sophia Diaz, Linnea Anderson, Lindsey Olivo, Eleanor Myers
Advisor: Sara Hills
Link: https://vimeo.com/802504467
Third Place (Tie): “Sometimes Your Feelings”
Maywood Center for Enriched Studies
Filmmakers: Julissa Hernandez, Amy Chan, Rodselyn Ramirez, Vanessa Guzman, Natalia Lara,
Milenka Melton, Aylin Narvaez, Elvia Barrera
Advisor: James Ng
Link: https://vimeo.com/803615254
Third Place (Tie): “A Wish”
MT. SAC Early College Academy
Filmmakers: Vanessa Ramos, Joshua Fermalino, Isabella Quezada, Giovanna Lopez
Advisor: Rudy Ruiz
Link: https://vimeo.com/803775056
Animated Short
First Place: “Seams”
Claremont High School
Filmmaker: Katie Ray
Advisor: Tamara Kirkpatrick
Link: https://vimeo.com/803735933