Isabella Kira, and Abby Zidonis
12th Grade
Los Alamitos High School
Orange County
Unrooted, a cultural short film and PSA, illustrates the “Through the Lens of Culture” category as we showcased the dynamics of mental health throughout many cultures. From Japanese, to Puerto Rican, to Albanian culture, the film portrays the struggles of diverse students and how mental health takes on several but similar forms in all cultures. The students silently struggle with mental battles while their families remain unaware. Caused by academic stress, bullying, and even just spacing out, the students’ stress causes them to undergo a rollercoaster of negative emotions. Despite cultural differences, their experiences highlight the universal nature of mental health. When their loved ones finally recognize their pain, understanding and love bridge the divide.
