San Diego 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

Hope is in Your Reach

Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2025
Artist: Justin Gemena, Nathan Fabrie, Marcus Lee, Jeniffer Luu, Turner Rosburg, and Mary Nguyen
San Diego County
Grade: 12
Mira Mesa High/Digital Communication CTE Courses
Advisor: Laurisa Murray

Hope is in Your Reach is about our main character, Jeniffer as she struggles with thoughts of suicide. A majority of the PSA expresses the loneliness and struggles of Jeniffer ...

The Flower Grows Taller

Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2025
Artist: Jianhao Hu, Damian Toma, Miguel G.Noriega, and Jayan Frye
San Diego County
Grade: 9
SAY SD
Advisor: Stacy Chiles

The Flower Grows Taller is a short film about noticing the signs of suicide, talking openly, and taking action. It follows two friends, one sees the other pulling away and ...

The Conversation

First Place Regional and Statewide Finalist - Suicide Prevention
2025
Artist: Sophia Lee
San Diego County
Grade: 12
SAY SD
Advisor: Stacy Chiles

“The Conversation” depicts the internal argument that is had with oneself about whether or not to ask someone if they are okay. The film centers around a Teen listing the ...

The Sandwich

Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2025
Artist: Malia Wilke, and Milo Ganadjian
San Diego County
Grade: 9
Mt Everest Academy
Advisor: Eric Nielsen

Our film depicts a high schooler who is experiencing mental health struggles and masking it at school. A friend takes notice and reaches out to them.

Burden.

Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2025
Artist: Alex Chau, and Angel Molina
San Diego County
Grade: 9
Mission Hills High School
Advisor: Heidi Kniseley

Our video focuses on feeling like a burden and not wanting to ask for help when its really needed. We tried to use elements of loneliness and uncertainty this video ...

To whom it may concern

Third Place Regional - Suicide Prevention
2025
Artist: Zahid Perez Cruz, Zyan Perkins, and Ethan Lee
San Diego County
Grade: 12
Mission Hills High School
Advisor: Heidi Kniseley

To whom it may concern follows the story of a young adult going through a particularly harrowing bout of loneliness, and feeling as if he is being left behind as ...

Notice the signs

Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2025
Artist: Ryan Blase, Brandon Castorena, Mia Magana, and Jayden Palmisano
San Diego County
Grade: 12
Escondido High School
Advisor: Rodolfo De La Torre

this PSA is supposed to be a about depressed youth across the US. its supposed to symbolize the hurt and emotional/mental neglect teens go through, and how to help.

I Can’t Go Yet

Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Jeniffer Luu, Eljen Lacibal, and Lucia Nguyen
San Diego County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Tobias Schwartz

This film seeks to spread awareness of the fact that it can sometimes be hard to see whether someone is dealing with suicidal thoughts and that even small acts of ...

Reach Out

Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Savannah Stephens, Zahid Perez-Cruz, Tyler Reed, Maya Bodiwala, and Fabby Torres
San Diego County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Heidi Kniseley

This film combines archival footage and visual effects to tell a story about the value of a life. In doing so, the film also spreads awareness of available resources and ...

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask…

Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Sophia Lee, Samantha Lee, and Pylin Hoefer
San Diego County
Grade: 11
Advisor: John Snedden

In this film, a teen recognizes that her older sister has become irritable, withdrawn, and hopeless, and has lost interest in tending her flowers. Even though it is uncomfortable, she ...

See The Signs

Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Ilean Rosenal, Alisa Oluwo, and Evelyn Miller
San Diego County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Matt Guarnotta

This personal film is about a girl who faces mental health challenges after moving and changing schools. With the help of a counselor, she begins to feel better.

See the Signs

Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Lucia Nguyen, Duke DelaRosa, Eljen Lacibal, Kimberly Tran, Sophia Patawaran, and Austin Galon
San Diego County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Tobias Schwartz

“See the Signs” sheds light on some possible warning signs for suicide and offers support to those struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.

Mental Health Matters

To Help A Friend

2020
Artist: Kaiden Phakeokoth and Adriana Watterson
San Diego County
Grade: 9
Junipero Serra High School
Advisor: Shannon Stracener

One friend is sad. The other friend notices that they are acting different from how they normally are. They go over and talk to them and telling them that they ...

Don’t Wait

Honorable Mention - Mental Health Matters
2020
Artist: Lily Wickham, Grace Smith, Baila Thompson, Mirabel Hunt, Andre Jabbour and Rachel Riddle
San Diego County
Grade: 12
Torrey Pines High School
Advisor: Jeffrey Owen

We created our film to help decrease the stigma around Mental Health by showing that reaching out for help is good. Our main character struggles with her mental health issues ...

This Is Me

2015
Artist: Paige Barrows, Kiya Lopfenstein, Grace Bashour, Paige Staky
San Diego County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Don Collins

A student’s story about how life isn’t always what it looks like on social media and how opening up to friends about mental health challenges can be uplifting.

Through the Lens of Culture

Finding Connection

Honorable Mention Statewide - Through the Lens of Culture
2025
Artist: Denise Allyson Hamby, and Noah Bupasiri
San Diego County
Grade: 11
Mira Mesa High/Digital Communication CTE Courses
Advisor: Laurisa Murray

The film is about a new Hispanic student at a school school struggling to make connections with the students around him. Luckily, someone reaches out and creates a connection that ...

Ang Isip

Honorable Mention Statewide - Through the Lens of Culture
2025
Artist: Nina Jade Rubi
San Diego County
Grade: 9
SAY SD
Advisor: Stacy Chiles

In my film, “Ang Isip” (meaning The Mind), I showcase the experience that comes with being an Asian-American high school student, where school and family come together to create a ...

Generations Talking

Fourth Place (Tied) - Through the Lens of Culture Group A
2024
Artist: Jasmin Altamirano Diego, Valeria Corona, and Emily Reyes
San Diego County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Haania Origel

This film portrays a spectrum of the different cultural perspectives on mental health, showing how different generations and communities can support each other.

Bloom

First Place - Through the Lens of Culture Group B
2024
Artist: Isabella Guerrero, Deleyna Quintero, Sydnie Pitzer, and Sasha Ruderman
San Diego County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Gini Mann-Deibert

“Bloom” addresses the intersectionality of struggling with mental health as an immigrant or child of immigrants. The film analyzes the guilt of talking about mental health struggles when trying to ...

Mentally Changed

Third Place (TIED) - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Taniya Cooksey and Shakur Jackson
San Diego County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Eboni Harvey

The filmmakers shared, “Through the video we wanted to share how the effects of our culture as African-Americans can put our mental health in the background of the other problems ...

Hope

Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Natalie P., Lizbeth S., Naralia B., Destiny J., Noami F., Helena P., and Ryan R.
San Diego County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Irma Garcia

A girl discusses the impact of trauma on her brother’s daily functioning, and how her family reaches out for mental health services which helps him recover.

Intersectional Mental Health Film

Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Isabella Guerrero and Greyson Zuñíga
San Diego County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Gini Mann-Deibert

A youth interview about the intersection of mental health and Mexican-American culture as well as expectations around masculinity.

Life Expectations

Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Arisbeth Jaimes
San Diego County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Jovita Cerda

As a first generation Hispanic youth, a student faces high expectations and pressure but decides to ask for help from the school counselor.

Where Do I Belong

2018
Artist: Breahna Gillespie
San Diego County
Grade: College Freshman
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc
Advisor: Dr. Donna L. Cook

An inspiring film from the perspective of Ghanaian culture as told by a college student who experiences mental health challenges and finds strength and support from her family and deep ...

The Words that Pull Me Down

2017
Artist: Grace Bachour, Jordan Hayes, Eliee Shahidi, Halima Ander
San Diego County
Grade: 11
Torrey Pines High School
Advisor: Don Collins
SanaMente
Animated Short

A Call For Help

Third Place Statewide - Animated Short
2025
Artist: Cole Iliev, Milo Wolpoff, and Cameron Jackson
San Diego County
Grade: 11
San Diego Met High School
Advisor: Gini Mann-Deibert

A Call For Help addresses the animation category, “Bethe1ToReachOut” the film encourages viewers to reach out when they are struggling, and to take the step to connect when they need ...

.-.. .. –. …. –

Honorable Mention Statewide - Animated Short
2025
Artist: Jenny Tran
San Diego County
Grade: 11
Mission Hills High School
Advisor: Heidi Kniseley

My submission is a small animation incorporate with #Bethe1toreachout, about how you shouldn’t suffer alone in the dark, and some major signs that tells that you need help. light can ...

When You Need Me Most

Fourth Place Statewide - Animated Short
2025
Artist: Josh Ricketts, Justin Ricketts, and Suhei Salas Torrero
San Diego County
Grade: 9
Mira Mesa High/Digital Communication CTE Courses
Advisor: Laurisa Murray

Our animated short focuses on someone who notices their friend is struggling, but helps them in the end, which highlights how viewers can do the same. After viewers watch our ...

See the signs

Honorable Mention Statewide - Animated Short
2025
Artist: Eric Garcia
San Diego County
Grade: 11
Mission Hills High School
Advisor: Heidi Kniseley

Well I myself know the quality isn’t exactly at the highest standard, but I didn’t have a lot of time to work on this, and this itself took a few ...

Stay on the Line

Honorable Mention Statewide - Animated Short
2025
Artist: Clara Levacy
San Diego County
Grade: 9
SAY SD
Advisor: Stacy Chiles

My animated short film focuses on what a friend can do as a youth to help their friend considering suicide. This includes asking the friend directly if they are considering ...

Walk in Our Shoes

Drowning

Third Place Statewide - Walk in Our Shoes - Mental Health and Empathy
2025
Artist: Leah G.
San Diego County
Grade: 7
Julian Junior High
Advisor: rameses setekh

Friends Can Help

Honorable Mention Statewide - Walk in Our Shoes - Suicide Prevention and How to Get Help
2025
Artist: Airam Magdaleno, Cameron Campbell, and Cyric Remfry
San Diego County
Grade: 8
Borrego Springs Middle School
Advisor: Ana Maritza Hernandez

It’s a story in text about someone who get bullied and his friends help him by giving him the resources and giving him space to thru his struggles and assure ...

Struggles

Honorable Mention Statewide - Walk in Our Shoes - Suicide Prevention and How to Get Help
2025
Artist: Juan Orozco, and Jesse Orozco
San Diego County
Grade: 8
Borrego Springs Middle School
Advisor: Ana Maritza Hernandez

It show the struggles of two siblings that don’t have a father figure growing up, and how it affects their mental health and their life.

Perfect

Honorable Mention Statewide - Walk in Our Shoes - Mental Health and Empathy
2025
Artist: Joshua W, Wyatt M., and Roberto Ornelas
San Diego County
Grade: 7
Julian Junior High
Advisor: rameses setekh

This video is about reducing stereotypes on people viewed as “smart” by showing that they feel the constant need to please, and the stress they feel in this manner.

Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out

Third Place - Walk in Our Shoes - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Joseph Soria Zuniga, Austin Arias, and Jovanny Arroyo Quintero
San Diego County
Grade: 8
Advisor: Vincent Timpe

This film is about a middle school boy who is struggling with bullying and suicidal thoughts. The boy finds the courage to seek help thanks to the support of two ...

Reflections

Honorable Mention - Walk in Our Shoes - Mental Health
2024
Artist: Toby Hodo, Lino Gonzales, and Gabriel Betts
San Diego County
Grade: 8
Advisor: Virginia McNall

In “Reflections,” a young man struggling to understand himself and his emotions finally reaches out to an adult he trusts so he can begin healing his mental health.

Helping a Friend

Honorable Mention - Walk in Our Shoes - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Rio Johnson, Brooklyn Myers, Cara Barao Smith, and Abigail Salgueiro
San Diego County
Grade: 8
Advisor: Vincent Timpe

This film is about how mental health issues in youth can go unnoticed by adults, the importance of interpersonal relationships, and the power of reaching out for help.

Half Court To Health

Honorable Mention - Walk in Our Shoes - What is Mental Health
2023
Artist: Shelby Wester and Madelyn Murray
San Diego County
Grade: 8
Advisor: Vincent Timpe

The filmmakers shared, “Our video talks about how to prevent mental health issues, ways to help them, signs that you or another person may be dealing with them, and people ...

Dear Future Me

First Place Walk in Our Shoes – The Superhero in Each of Us
2022
Artist: Adalia Pacheco, Melanie Ortiz, Adriana Chavez, Arely Murillo, Willem Ross, and Izzy Castillo
San Diego County
Grade: 7
Rancho Minerva Middle School
Advisor: Beth Duncan

Dear Future Me depicts 3 young students writing a letter of encouragement to their future self. In the letter, each student talks about the challenges of their teenage years such ...

Fingerprints

Second Place (TIED) Walk in Our Shoes – What is Mental Health & Words Matter
2022
Artist: Adalia Pacheco, Kaio Passos, Ally Lopez, and Natalie Lopez
San Diego County
Grade: 7
Rancho Minerva Middle School
Advisor: Beth Duncan

A film discussing mental health and emotions with a creative use of painted fingerprints.

The Pep Talk

Second Place Statewide - Walk in Our Shoes
2021
Artist: Natalie Lopez, Jazmin Baca Guzman, Jasmin Lujan, Angelina Guerra, Jesus Aquino, Jesiah Gastelum, and Cristo Juarez
San Diego County
Grade: 7
Rancho Minerva Middle School
Advisor: Beth Duncan

Taking the time to talk & share your feelings can help deal with the problems in everyday life. Every word and every person matters!

Windows

2020
Artist: Jackey, Katee & Brandon
San Diego County
Grade: 7
Rancho Minerva Middle School
Advisor: Beth Duncan

Our eyes expresses our feelings, and show the emotions in us. Take time to look at others and offer help if needed because everyone deserves to be seen, and everyone ...

Hope and Justice

Connection: What Does It Look Like?

Third Place Mental Health Month Challenge
2025
Artist: Hana Thomas, Roxalana Lopez, Ivan Larios, Sergio Flores, and Jasia Weir
San Diego County
Grade: Other
TrueCare
Advisor: Haania Origel

“We are all Connected. Family. Friends. Coworkers. Peers. From the moment you came into being and up to where you are today, These people have been a part of your ...

Helping Hands & First Steps

First Place (Tied) Monthly Prompt - CBO
2024
Artist: Sergio Flores and Nadia Alvarez
San Diego County
TrueCare
Advisor: Haania Origel

We hoped to create an inspirational reminder that we are all here for each other.

May 2024 Snap, Filter & Swipe

First Place TikTok Challenge
2024
Artist: Siraj Mohamed
San Diego County
Grade: Other
San Diego Youth Services and San Diego Refugee Community Coalition
Advisor: Yad Bapir

This entry is made by one our youths from the Eastern African Community of San Diego. In the Video they, the youth member portrays what it’s like to view oneself ...

Through the Lens of Culture

Second Place Monthly Prompt - CBO
2024
Artist: Siraj Mohamed, Meaza Teklu, Bethuel Goytiom, Hemen Alemu, Mohamed, and Alejandro
San Diego County
Grade: 11
San Diego Refugee Community Coalition and San Diego Youths Services (Community Based Organization)
Advisor: Yad Bapir and Nicole Chung

This video created by our Youths from the Eastern African Community shows how mental health is viewed from the viewpoint of the Eastern African culture. We were able create the ...

Of Course You Can Bother Me

First Place Monthly Prompt - CBO
2024
Artist: Daniela Silva, Alli Walker, and Kaylie Thaxton Barney
San Diego County
Grade: Other
San Diego Youth Services (Community Based Organization)
Advisor: Nicole Chung

Our purpose is to remind our peers they are not alone.

Through the Lens of Culture

First Place (Tied) Monthly Prompt - TikTok Challenge
2024
Artist: Siraj Mohamed, Meaza Teklu, Bethuel Goytiom, Hemen Alemu, Mohamed, and Alejandro
San Diego County
Grade: 11
San Diego Refugee Community Coalition and San Diego Youths Services
Advisor: Yad Bapir and Nicole Chung

This video created by our Youths from the Eastern African Community shows how mental health is viewed from the viewpoint of the Eastern African culture. We were able create the ...

Of Course You Can Bother Me

First Place (Tied) Monthly Prompt - TikTok Challenge
2024
Artist: Daniela Silva, Alli Walker, and Kaylie Thaxton Barney
San Diego County
Grade: Other
San Diego Youth Services
Advisor: Nicole Chung

Our purpose is to remind our peers they are not alone.

Never A Bother

First Place Monthly Prompt - High School
2024
Artist: Reese Bieschke, Sydnie Pitzer, and Myla Pitzer
San Diego County
Grade: 10
San Diego Met High School
Advisor: Gini Mann-Deibert

Our short film delves into the internal struggles of a teenager grappling with mental health issues. The narrative centers around the protagonist’s inner debate about reaching out to friends, teachers, ...

One Note Can Go a Long Way

Second Place Hope and Justice
2024
Artist: Natalie Chen, Sebastian Briceno-Mahr, Lucian Lasher, and Harrison Routh
San Diego County
Grade: 10
Mission Bay High School
Advisor: Anton Corbin

One message, as simple as it may be, can make a big difference to someone’s day. While it’s important to give yourself hope and find things that can help you ...

You’re Not Alone

First Place (Tied) Monthly Prompt - Film
2023
Artist: Natalie Chen, Sebastian Briceño-mahr, Lucian Lasher, and Ian Hamilton
San Diego County
Grade: 9
Mission Bay High School
Advisor: Anton Corbin

Millions of teens, including many at our own school, struggle with their mental health and we want to tell them that they are not alone. With this video, we want ...

Living better!

First Place April TikTok Challenge
2023
Artist: Itzel Ventura Medina
San Diego County
Grade: 10
Chula Vista Learning Community Charter High School
Advisor: Melissa Gonzalez

This entry is based on many solutions available for people who want to take care of the planet. Every time we follow one of these, we have the ability to ...

Let’s restart.

First Place January Monthly Prompt TikTok Challenge
2023
Artist: Itzel Ventura Medina
San Diego County
Grade: 10
Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School
Advisor: Melissa Gonzalez

“Now that 2023 has officially started, it gives us yet another chance to start over, and what we can do in order to better ourselves for the new year. As ...

Dear Me, What If?

1st place May 2022 Monthly Prompt “Dear Me”
2022
Artist: Natalie Lopez, Ally Lopez, and Medardo Sanchez
San Diego County
Grade: 8
Rancho Minerva Middle School
Advisor: Beth Duncan

“Dear Me, What If” is about the power of having dreams, and making them come true. Right now we are young, but all of us can accomplish great things if ...

What Are You Waiting For?

Third Place Hope and Justice – Hope
2022
Artist: Keaton Hawkins
San Diego County
Grade: 7
Rancho Minerva Middle School
Advisor: Beth Duncan

“Saying thank you to our family, friends, and teachers for the unconditional love and kindness they provide feels good- and brings happiness to our hearts. When we show gratitude, it ...

Missing Kids of Color Diary PSA

Second Place Hope and Justice – Justice
2022
Artist: Madison Mayes and Leah Belay
San Diego County
Grade: 9
Canyon Hills High School
Advisor: Effren Villanueva

“Our submission brings justice to the kids and teens of color who get kidnapped or taken everyday; no one ever speaks about them, and they rarely receive any news coverage. ...

Missing Kids of Color Diary PSA

January Justice 2nd Place
2022
Artist: Madison Mayes and Leah Belay
San Diego County
Grade: 9
Canyon Hills High School
Advisor: Effren Villanueva 

“Our submission brings justice to the kids and teens of color who get kidnapped or taken everyday; no one ever speaks about them, and they rarely receive any news coverage. ...

What Are You Waiting For?

November Monthly Prompt Film 2nd Place
2021
Artist: Keaton Hawkins
San Diego County
Rancho Minerva Middle School
Advisor: Beth Duncan

“Saying thank you to our family, friends, and teachers for the unconditional love and kindness they provide feels good- and brings happiness to our hearts. When we show gratitude, it ...