Fresno County Films
Directing Change is an evaluated suicide prevention and mental health program with the mission to educate young people about critical health topics through art and promote social justice and health by changing conversations in schools and communities.
Suicide Prevention
United in Support
Honorable Mention Regional - Mental Health
2024
Artist: Axel Basilio, Bryan Martinez Martinez, Christopher Navas, and Darian Vazquez
Fresno County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Edward Joe
This film is about how important it is to get help, as well as how much better youth can feel if they reach out.
Breaking the Silence
Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Yareli Acevedo, Giovanni Ceja, Fernando Gutierrez, Jr., Diego Galicia, Jose Solorio, and Axel Vazquez
Fresno County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Edward Joe
"Breaking the Silence" shows that youth sometimes overlook warning signs that their peers could be struggling with mental health and encourages viewers to uplift and support one another.
Finding Hope: A School Community
Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Xander Davis, Jessie Lopez Granados, Angel Llamas Contreras, and Julian Vera
Fresno County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Edward Joe
This powerful film seeks to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and suicidal thoughts.
Just Listen
Third Place Regional (TIED) - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Melakai Quitoriano, Nikolas Pagan, Natalie Thach, and Tristan Smith
Fresno County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Sarah Soghomonian
After noticing changes in a friend who recently lost his older brother, a youth connects him with their coach for help.
There’s always someone
Honorable Mention - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Jalia Yang
Fresno County
Grade: 9
Advisor: Derrick Davis
While struggling with thoughts of suicide, a youth receives a text checking in on her, which helps her feel seen.
Call Me
First Place Regional (TIED) - Suicide Prevention
2022
Artist: Mandy Yang
Fresno County
Grade: 12
Fresno High School
Advisor: Mohan Brown
This films encourages a young person who is experiencing a tough time to call on other people for support. The film shows a multitude of different people saying "call me" and ends with a creative transition to call the Suicide Prevention Crisis Line.
It’s Okay To Not Be Okay
First Place Regional (TIED) - Suicide Prevention
2022
Artist: Mishaila Peña, Jaylene Peña, and Floreida Uriarte
Fresno County
Grade: 9
Clovis East High School
Advisor: Derrick Davis
It’s a heartwarming story about someone who has thoughts of suicide, but they get help they need through someone who was willing to listen.
Dear Best Friend
Honorable Mention - Suicide Prevention
2020
Artist: Kyrene Ponce, Issa Martinez, Tench Gomez and Evony Valencia
Fresno County
Grade: 10
Selma High School
Advisor: Frankie Leal
The intent of our film is to remind people that we should be aware of suicide along with the feelings of others. We hope our film is able to convey a lack of awareness about how other people may be feeling. Some people may be feeling alone and show signs of depression but others may see...
Mental Health Matters
Honorable Mention - Mental Health Matters
2020
Artist: Carlos Lucero
Fresno County
Grade: 10
Coalinga High School
Advisor: Tom Lucero
Love Wins
Third Place Statewide - Through the Lens of Culture - Suicide Prevention
2020
Artist: Graciela Vargas
Fresno County
Grade: 10
Clovis East High School
Advisor: Derrick Davis
LQBTQ students communicate the importance of reaching out and seeking help, that you are not alone.
Me is You
Fifth Place Statewide - Through the Lens of Culture - Suicide Prevention
2020
Artist: Keng Xiong
Fresno County
Grade: 10
Clovis East High School
Advisor: Derrick Davis
Language: Hmong with English subtitles A Hmong boy tells his story of depression and encourages viewers to move forward and seek help.
The World Is Better With You In It
Honorable Mention - Suicide Prevention
2021
Artist: Aileen Aviles and Arianna Xiong
Fresno County
Grade: 9
Kings View Youth Empowerment
Advisor: Darlene Valadez
Arianna and Aileen are aware of many suicidal ideations. They wanted to share the message that even if sometimes we are in a dark place, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You can overcome any issue when you feel lost. Speaking out and accepting support will lead you to a positive life...
Mental Health Matters
To Reach Out
Honorable Mention Regional - Mental Health
2024
Artist: Leonardo Lemus, Michael Marez, and Jacob Thor
Fresno County
Grade: 10
Advisor: Sarah Soghomonian
"To Reach Out" is about a student who is sad, distant, and lonely. Though he's been isolating socially, he reaches out to explain his mental health struggles. When his friend responds, it helps him get support from a counselor.
Choosing recovery
Honorable Mention - Mental Health
2023
Artist: Delyla Ybarra
Fresno County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Derrick Davis
A film about the effects of disordered eating on physical and mental health and an encouraging message about how to take steps towards recovery.
I Matter
Third Place Regional (TIED) - Mental Health
2023
Artist: Theresa-Marie Yuenger
Fresno County
Grade: 9
Advisor: Derrick Davis
Youth share their struggles, worries, and hopes, and the film reminds the viewer that their mental health matters.
Nosotros / We
First Place Regional - Mental Health
2023
Artist: Kayla Pina, Elena Padilla, Jose Lopez, Francisco Velazquez, Cristal Gonzalez, and Xander Davis
Fresno County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Mina Valdeabella
In this Spanish-language film, students share their perspective on importance of youth mental health.
I’m Here for You
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture - Mental Health
2020
Artist: Delany Davis and David Angulo
Fresno County
Grade: 10
Buchanan High School
Advisor: Daniel Pearce
Language: Punjabi and English with English subtitles A teen opens up to her sister about needing help and at first is not received with a supportive response, but later her sister changes her mind and chooses to help her sister.
You Aren’t Alone
Honorable Mention - Mental Health Matters
2021
Artist: Madalyn Sanders
Fresno County
Grade: 9
Clovis East High School
Advisor: Derrick Davis
I chose this category because I've seen many of my loved ones struggle with their mental health, and some even lose their battle against it. My sister has never been one to open up and talk to people about her issues, and that eats her up inside. Doing research and digging into more details about this...
Mental health in Asian Americans
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture
2021
Artist: Erika Phanouvong, Mai Yang, and Diane Vang
Fresno County
Grade: 11
Clovis East High School
Advisor: Derrick Davis
I chose this category because I know people who are or have been through this situation. Not only that, I can relate to this video as well.
Through the Lens of Culture
1st Generation
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Marcelo Aponte, Syre Yang, and Isabella Davis
Fresno County
Grade: 10
Advisor: Sarah Soghomonian
A youth feels pressure from his family to succeed, but a friend helps him feel empowered and connects him with a trusted adult.
Dear Lee
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Marisa Teran, Angel Tiffany Gago Manuel, and Mariah Spencer
Fresno County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Sarah Soghomonian
This film “looks at the challenges of Mental Health from an LGBTQ+ perspective. [The character] Lee faces struggles and is advised by a friend to attend a GSA meeting where he can make new friends and find comfort.”
Love Wins
Third Place Statewide - Through the Lens of Culture - Suicide Prevention
2020
Artist: Graciela Vargas
Fresno County
Grade: 10
Clovis East High School
Advisor: Derrick Davis
LQBTQ students communicate the importance of reaching out and seeking help, that you are not alone.
Me is You
Fifth Place Statewide - Through the Lens of Culture - Suicide Prevention
2020
Artist: Keng Xiong
Fresno County
Grade: 10
Clovis East High School
Advisor: Derrick Davis
Language: Hmong with English subtitles A Hmong boy tells his story of depression and encourages viewers to move forward and seek help.
I’m Here for You
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture - Mental Health
2020
Artist: Delany Davis and David Angulo
Fresno County
Grade: 10
Buchanan High School
Advisor: Daniel Pearce
Language: Punjabi and English with English subtitles A teen opens up to her sister about needing help and at first is not received with a supportive response, but later her sister changes her mind and chooses to help her sister.
Mental health in Asian Americans
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture
2021
Artist: Erika Phanouvong, Mai Yang, and Diane Vang
Fresno County
Grade: 11
Clovis East High School
Advisor: Derrick Davis
I chose this category because I know people who are or have been through this situation. Not only that, I can relate to this video as well.
SanaMente
La Familia es Todo
Honorable Mention - SanaMente
2020
Artist: Delany Davis, David Angulo
Fresno County
Grade: 11
Buchanan High School
Advisor: Daniel Pearce
Language: Spanish with English subtitles A family supports and helps a young girl as ‘family is everything’. Una familia apoya y ayuda a una niña como ‘la familia es todo’.
Animated Short
Find the Words
Honorable Mention - Animated
2020
Artist: Joanna Lois Mariano
Fresno County
Grade: College student
California State University, Fresno (Fresno State)
Advisor: Nancy VanLeuven
This short is a brief reflection of my own experience in which my best friend found the words. I aimed to provide the three basic action steps someone could remember in a situation where they are concerned about someone they know. Although I wish I could have gotten more creative with my scenes, I did my...
Walk in Our Shoes
QB Beats Anxiety
Honorable Mention - Walk in Our Shoes - Empathy
2024
Artist: Jake, Saul Paz, Aiden Rosewarne, Dylan Bisher, and Avijot Sandhu
Fresno County
Grade: 7
Advisor: Alyssa Albee
This film focuses on the stress faced by many student atheletes, as well as the impact it can have on their mental health.
Our shoes
Honorable Mention - Walk in Our Shoes - What is Mental Health
2023
Artist: Paitlynn Palmer, Tristan Barton, Sophia Echeveste, and Janessa Solis
Fresno County
Grade: 8
Advisor: Krystle Pumarejo
Four students talk about what it feels like to "walk in their shoes" in this film, which offers a message that help is always available.
Walking in Shoes of Depression
Honorable Mention - Walk in our Shoes - The Supehero in Each of Us
2020
Artist: Aileen Aviles, Mikayla Villareal, Zoey Rodriguez, Janna Phaphon and Arianna Xiong
Fresno County
Grade: 7
Kings View
Advisor: Darlene Valadez
This video is about Walking in Shoes of Depression about a young girl who feels lost and helpless. However, one of her closest friends seemed concerned. All her friends happen to read notes from a box she left behind. They come to find out by reading the notes she doesn't feel like she belongs on earth...
Hope and Justice
Find Your Anchor
First Place September TikTok Challenge
2023
Artist: Gurneet Kaur
Fresno County
Grade: 7
John Sutter Middle School
Advisor: Maria Rodriguez
“During times of stress, I find myself either wanting to be active or make any form of art […] I made my entry to share what my anchors are and hopefully inspire others to find their anchors as well. […] Now that I know what my main anchors are, I can go to them whenever I...
Gratitude Flower
November Monthly Prompt Film 3rd Place
2021
Artist: Emily Edinborough
Fresno County
Sierra High School
Advisor: Andrea Marjala