“Our video was created simply to provide hope. A lot of people our age struggle with the multitudes of responsibilities they have and often times feel overwhelmed. Our video also serves to pass the message that no matter where you are, you are not alone.”
“It is a short film about a student/designer who struggles due to him comparing himself to others. He does not think he is good enough or will ever become what he wants to be. He feels alone and lost, and is stubborn to get help. Once he finally does get help, he learns to work with it to achieve what he wants.”
“Hailey is a teenager who struggles with suicidal thoughts. We are introduced to her with her parents arguing in the background, and later showing signs of isolation and giving away her prized possessions to her friend, Sidney. After a long day, Hailey opens up about her feelings to Sidney when she texts to check up on her. Sidney brings up how she tries to think of things around her or in her future that she’d miss as a way of coping with her daily stresses. After reading the message, Hailey realizes that her friend is right and asks if they could seek help together the next day.”
“Unsaid is a short film targeting Suicide Prevention. We face the difficulty of fully expressing our true thoughts and emotions during moments where we feel defeated. Many things are left unsaid as we struggle to be honest with ourselves and others. In retrospect, saying what is actually on our minds is the first step in receiving help from others who care about us. Knowing the signs of Suicide is crucial for us to identify in order to reach out.”
“A black and white world showing people who are depressed and feel sad. Then, they see someone reaching out to them and they take their hand. They are then brought into color and feel welcomed and happy again.”
“Look at You Now is a short film relating to looking at how much one can grow and change. It’s a reflection of someone’s mental health journey and how enlightening it is to see a positive change as opposed to giving up.”
“Our entry showcases a high school student’s journey of finding hope and inspiration in the film “Coyote Corner” during a class screening. This submission highlights the impact that such films can have on mental health awareness and support, underscoring the importance of seeking help and supporting one another during challenging times. It also serves as a testament to the effectiveness of filmmaking in addressing critical issues and promoting social justice by changing conversations in schools and communities aligning with the mission of Directing Change.”
“In this short film, two friends notice changes in their friend Sarah’s behavior and talk about what to do. I used this film as an opportunity to reference some of the symptoms of depression (pulling away from friends and activities, not caring about things) and also to reference the advice about getting an adult involved. Her two friends talk about their worries and debate whether to intervene or give Sarah space and decide to reach out to a trusted adult as they were advised in a school seminar.”
“I See Through Your Smile is a film that specifically brushes on the topic of suicide, speaking on the not-so-subtle signs one can easily miss. Told in the perspective of an ‘outsider,’ we are able to understand the hardships of those having these thoughts and the facade they carry to mask their pain.”
“My video submission is based on the focus of how mental health may be hard to speak up about for some people. The focus is on what the end result may be for a person who builds up the courage to reach out for assistance against their mental health struggles.”