Tri-City 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
It Repeats
Honorable Mention, Sucide Prevention, Annual Contest Film Contest
2022
Artist: Yufi Jones, Ryley Jones, Adrian Amezquita
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 12
Claremont High School
A film that shows the warning signs of suicide in a student and directs the viewer to get help if they notice these signs.
Small Signs
Honorable Mention, Suicide Prevention, Annual Contest Film Contest
2022
Artist: Caleb Bhechsonggram and Astrid Duran
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 12
Claremont High School
This film encourages the viewer to ask the direct question “Are you thinking of suicide?” The filmmakers shared, “Our film recognizes that seeing a sign doesn't always indicate thoughts of suicide. However, it encourages people to reach out regardless.”
I Am Not Alone
Second place statewide, first place regiol, Suicide Prevention, Annual Contest Film Contest
2021
Artist: Wendy Obispo
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
California State Polytechnic University, Pomo
A young woman battles the “monster” of her thoughts by reaching out for help.
Shoes to Fill
Second place regiol, suicide prevention, Annual Contest film contest
2021
Artist: Selah Eum and Yasmine Suuck
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
Using splitscreen editing, this film illustrates some possible signs of suicide in contrast to more healthy behavior.
Hidden Hurt
Second place regiol, suicide prevention, Annual Contest film contest
2019
Artist: Jupiter Peraza, Elizabeth (Lilly) Pugno, and Logan Gilkey
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
The School of Arts and Enterprise
A letter to a best friend offering help, illustrates recognizing the signs of suicide and encourages reaching out.
There is Hope
First Place Regiol, Suicide Prevention, Annual Contest Film Contest
2018
Artist: Abby Gransden, Colin Kirkpatrick, Issac Andrade, Joseph Matos & Eli Kupetz
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
A friend breaks through to his troubled peer after persistently reaching out, “Just remember I’m always here for you.”
Light
Honorable Mention - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Carter Bostwick, Luna Tusques, and Ben Tzobery
Tri-City
Grade: 11
Advisor: Sara Hills
A youth displays warning signs of suicide, including anger and isolation, so a friend steps in to provide the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and offers to connect him with a trusted adult.
We’ve Never Been Closer
Third Place (TIED) Regional and Team Pick - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Liam Plunier, Louis Nolte, Emilio Hernandez, Jacksan Gorman, and Dustin Divine-Sicherman
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 11
Advisor: Sara Hills
A youth reflects on how he realized his friend needed help and discusses his decision to reach out to his friend’s mom about his concerns.
It Can Be Scary…
Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Santiago Cifuentes, Louis Nolte, Matthew V. Corona, Rhys Lopez and Shaw Siegel
Tri-City
Grade: 12
Advisor: Sara Hills
"It Can be Scary…" follows a teen navigating the difficult scenario of reaching out to a friend he's worried about, thereby empowering audiences to do the same.
Take Action as a Friend
Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Bix Lazar, Yakub Boyraz, Jacob Bickham and Nayeem Clement y Caridad
Tri-City
Grade: 10
Advisor: Sara Hills
"Take Action as a Friend" seeks to illustrate the qualities of healthy friendships and their importance to youth mental health.
Family Matters
Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Samira Lopez, Zion Jones, Victor Mendez-Martinez and Vanessa Noriega
Tri-City
Grade: 12
Advisor: Beverly “BJ” Rouse
"Family Matters" depicts mental health challenges and the process of getting help from the perspective of a foster youth.
Always There For You
Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Paris Fajardo, Amaya Lopez, Daniel Palmer, Jocelyn Ramirez and Ishan Khedia
Tri-City
Grade: 12
Advisor: Sara Hills
"Always There for You" demonstrates the importance of noticing changes in friends that may be related to mental health, as well the power of connecting a friend with a trusted adult who can help.
Mental Health Matters
Ever-Growing
2022
Artist: Nora Campbell, omi Flowers, Asha Colette Pandey, Taylor Finley,
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 10
Claremont High School
A girl receives a kind message from a friend offering support. “Our main message is that the journey of bettering your mental health will never end and can always improve. It is ever-growing,” the filmmakers shared.
Lost
2022
Artist: Tatya Locklin, Corinne Kempton, Garret Landis, Ken Guo
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 11
Claremont High School
A girl struggling at school sits down with a friend who shares his positive experience with talking to a counselor.
Underneath It All
2022
Artist: Selah Eum, Tatya Locklin, Yasmine Suuck, Caroline Seong
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 12
Claremont High School
A youth experiencing depression explains that wearing a mask allowed them to hide their emotions, but they noticed their symptoms and decided to reach out for help.
Say Something
2022
Artist: Oscar Jan, Giordan Anto, Stephen Menetrez, Zachary Turner, Xavier Ascencio,
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 12
Claremont High School
“We don't have to fight through problems by ourselves, and speaking up will relieve a lot of that weight. The film shows the interl thought process of the main character who struggles with depression and how his friends care about him and aren’t dismissive of his issues,” the filmmakers explained.
You Matter
2022
Artist: Louis Nolte, Madelyn Schell, Daniel Campos-Valencia
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 10
Claremont High School
“Stewart is a teege boy who feels as though he goes through life unseen. Through the kind words of those around him and a boost of confidence, he is able to see his true value,” the filmmakers shared.
Unmask Your Feelings
Honorable Mention, Mental Health Matters, Annual Contest Film Contest
2022
Artist: Victor Rosiles-Tessier and Yohsel Mireles
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 12
The School of Arts and Enterprise
Encourages teens to “unmask” their feelings when dealing with mental health issues and the effects of social media.
Masked
Honorable Mention, Mental Health Matters, Annual Contest Film Contest
2022
Artist: Kendell Weis, Mercer Weis, Erin Murphy, and Viraj Urkudey
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 11
Claremont High School
“This film portrays the universal struggle of masking negative emotions. To avoid the potential of being stigmatized, many people hide their mental health issues by acting in positive ways,” the filmmakers explained.
Together We Matter
Second place regiol, Mental Health Matters, Annual Contest Film Contest
2020
Artist: Andrew Maga, Angel Cruz, Seth Corwin, Ashley Moreno, Victor Tessier, Jasmin Camacho, Jessica Garcia, Josh Juarez, Susa Garcia and Andrew Asebedo
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
The School of Arts and Enterprise
“I realize I’m not alone anymore, I feel OK again.” Filmmakers urge youth to reach out and share how they’re feeling.
Side Effects
Second Place Regiols, Mental Health Matters, Annual Contest Film Contest
2022
Artist: Andrew Pontious, Ben Tzobery, Andrew Chung, and Carter Bostwick
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 9
Claremont High School
What’s the wrong and right way to reach out to someone who is struggling? This film uses humor to show the viewer how to support a friend or peer.
Reach Out
Honorable Mention, Mental Health Matters, Annual Contest Film Contest
2022
Artist: Caliel Jin Dela, Eleanor Myers, Michael Miko, and Lindsey Olivo
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 10
Claremont High School
‘“Reach Out” is about a student who is struggling with her mental health and is scared to ask for help but eventually finds that the school has a support system through the counselors. It shows that when you're in need of help, there is always hope that someone can help you out,” the filmmakers shared.
A Mile in thier Shoes
First place regiols, Mental Health Matter, Annual Contest Film Contest
2021
Artist: Erin Murphy
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
This filmmaker advises the audience to not judge others until you’ve “walked a mile in their shoes.”
I Am Me
First place regiols, Mental Health Matter, Annual Contest Film Contest
2020
Artist: Eli Kupetz, Jen Gossett, Ryley Swift and Gabriel Herrera
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
Filmmakers remind their audience there is more to a person than the depression or anxiety they may experience. Many facets make up an individual we are not defined by one thing alone.
Speak Up
Second place statewide, thrid place regiols, Mental Health Matters, Annual Contest Film contest
2019
Artist: Dylan Divine-Sicherman, Jen Gossett, Therese Reisch, and Thomas St. John
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
By showing a student struggling get through his day while physically injured, filmmakers make apparent that ailing physical health is impossible to ignore and that the same should go for our mental health.
A Fighting Chance
Second place regiols, Mental Health Matters, Annual Contest Film Contest
2018
Artist: Jupiter Peraza, Bahia Hussein, Logan GIlkey, Christie DiMarco & Lilly Pugno
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
The School of Arts and Enterprise
Living with mental illness can often feel like fighting through the fear, isolation and anxiety. Yet the filmmakers remind us we don’t have to fight this fight alone.
Aspirations
First place regiol, third place statewide, mental health matters, Annual Contest film contest
2017
Artist: Isabella Cisneros, Daniella Cruz, Abigail Grandsen & Elizabeth Schwartz
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
A young women who feels pressure to live up to expectations is scared to tell others about her mental illness but her fears are allayed when she is met with understanding and support by family and friends.
Strike Out
2022
Artist: Jacksan Gorman, Dustin Divine, Xavier Ascencio, and Emilio Hernandez
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 12
Claremont High School
Through the Lens of Culture
Los Hombres No Lloran
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture Group B
2024
Artist: Maxima McCormack, Lola Garcia, Alyssa Guerrero and Scarlette Sanders
Tri-City
Grade: 10
Advisor: Sara Hills
The youth behind "Los Hombres No Lloran" shared that making the film showed them the importance of looking at issues through others' perspectives and understanding different experiences. The film is also a testament to the power of storytelling to open hearts and minds to new ideas.
SanaMente
Animated Short
Seams
First Place - Animated Short
2023
Artist: Kathryn Ray
Tri-City
Grade: 11
Advisor: Tamara Kirkpatrick
The filmmaker shared, "This tells a story of someone who is struggling with depression and hiding it away from their friends and family. The blanket in which they are wearing over their head symbolizes the façade that they present to others. Overwhelmed and distraught, our character finds their friend prepared to be a shoulder to cry...
Petals
First Place, Animated Short, Annual Contest Film Contest
2019
Artist: Colin Kirkpatrick, Gabriel Gonzalez, Jade Sleiman, Monique Layseca & Eli Kupetz
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
A character with a wilting flower walks the audience through signs of suicide and is offered a “petal” of help from a friend.
Walk in Our Shoes
The Passion in My Life
Second Place, Walk in our Shoes- The Superhero in All of Us, Annual Contest Film Contest
2022
Artist: Chad Pumpruck, Benjamin Barwise, and Ryan Obando
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Mountain View Elementary School
“Our film is about a boy who has a mental health challenge and gets support from a friend and a trusted adult,” the filmmakers shared.
The Problem
Honorable mention, Walk in Our Shoes- The Superhero in All of Us, Annual Contest Film Contest
2022
Artist: Tabitha Gamans, Sofia Caballero, Alon Owlsey, Averie Vergara, Jewels Khaddour, and Larae Caldwell
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Mountain View Elementary School
A group notices that their friend needs help, so they decided to call the tiol Suicide Prevention Lifeline together.
This is Me
Honorable mention, Walk in Our Shoes- The Superhero in All of Us, Annual Contest Film Contest
2022
Artist: Kennedy Tucker, Sophia Citron, Jocelyn Martinez Vasquez, Yaretzi Vargas, and Olivia Garcia
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Mountain View Elementary School
A film that incorporates animation to share how a girl is affected by the words others use but embraces her unique interests.
My Disorder Doesn’t Define Me
Honorable Mention, Walk in Our Shoes- What Is Mental Health
2022
Artist: Laila Pacheco, Harlymn Parks, and Nicholas Guerra
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Mountain View Elementary School
A youth experiencing bipolar disorder receives help from friends during a difficult period.
Beautiful Just the Way You Are
Honorable mention, Walk in Our Shoes- The Superhero in All of Us, Annual Contest Film Contest
2022
Artist: Loxlii Lomeli, Aysia Rosas, and Audrey Lomeli
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Mountain View Elementary School
A girl who is bullied finds a friend who appreciates her for who she is.
Monsters of Mental Health
Third Place, Walk In Our Shoes- What is Mental Health
2022
Artist: Avery Kurera, Cian Sanchez, Emma Pineda, Ella Castro, and Madison Mendez
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Mountain View Elementary School
A youth experiences anxiety, personified as a monster, but seeks therapy with a friend’s help. More youth join to share their own diagnosis and the message, “you are not alone.”
Where Did My Braids Go
Fifth Place, Walk in Our Shoes- The Superhero in All of Us, Annual Contest Film Contest
2022
Artist: Ava Corodo, Shyanne McCutcheon, Maliyah McCutcheon, and Espn Kinney
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Mountain View Elementary School
When a girl stops pursuing her passion for writing, her friends notice this change in behavior and provide support. “In this project we learned how to cope with mental health and how to help a friend in need. We also learned how to take action and speak about mental health.”
The Sport In Me
Thrid Place, Walk in Our Shoes- The Superhero in All of Us, Annual Contest Film Contest
2022
Artist: Samuel Jay Ho, Samuel Park, Remington Valverde, and Jace Intravaia
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Mountain View Elementary School
A youth loses his passion for basketball, but a friend notices his withdrawal from the sport and connects him to help.
The Music in Me
Third Place, Walk in Our Shoes- The Superhero In Each of Us
2021
Artist: Vivienne Mezones, Isabella teras-Garcia, Madyson Ryneer, and Isabella Pineda
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Mountain View Elementary School
“Don’t ever forget that what you love is part of who you are.” The onset of the pandemic causes a young person to lose enthusiasm for what she loves the most, but her sister helps her find the music.
Saving a Friend
Second place, Walk in Our Shoes, Annual Contest Film Contest
2020
Artist: Alex Gonzales, Danny Vu, Julian Valverde and Paul Rosa
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Mountain View
Breaking through a “wall” in this young persons life, involved leaning on friends for support and a sense of community.
Word Have Power
Third Place, Walk In Our Shoes, Annual Contest Film Contest
2020
Artist: Re Ko, Jannell Gonzalez, Jannese Gonzalez, Vincent Cruz, Atiqa Shafiq and Estefany Romero
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Marshall Middle School
“Words have the power to both destroy and heal. When words are both true and kind they can change the world.”
Hope and Justice
A New Hope
2021
Artist: Yuji Jones, Anthony Juneau, and Jason McCoy
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 12
Claremont High School
This film that shares the experiences of students returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keep Swimming
2021
Artist: Victor Alvarez, Ryley Swift, and Adrian Amezquita
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 12
Claremont High School
“This film is meant to capture an experience and feeling shared by many when transitioning back to a normal schedule. Change is uncomfortable, even if it’s for the better.”
The Way it Was
2022
Artist: Auden Spencer, Nicole Guardian, Isabel Sanvictores, and Noah Klein
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 12
Claremont High School
“When tasked with recalling their childhoods, two teegers struggle to see the value in the future. With working together, overcoming adversity, and starting meaningful conversations, they find what 'hope' is to them.”
What Gives You Hope
2022
Artist: Tatya Locklin, Caroline Seong, Yasmine Suuck, and Selah Eum
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 12
Claremont High School
“Our submission is a TikTok that shows an array of people speaking about what gives them hope in their everyday lives.”
2022 in Words
2022
Artist: Mercer Weis
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
“Not only did this category assist me in creating my own persol goals, but it also helped my community share their own.”
Directing Change TikTok Challenge
2022
Artist: Jade Sun
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
“For the new year, I’m really trying to put myself out there more and be with friends and family more”
wish I was here
2022
Artist: Lindsey Olivo
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
“I chose this category because I’ve been missing exploring the world so my hopes are for this new year is to travel the world.”
My hopes for ‘22
2022
Artist: Yasmine Suuck
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
“I made a short TikTok about the hopes I have for the new year and the three things that are the most important to me. This includes my friends, sports, and my dog.”
Finding Hope
2022
Artist: Michael Miko and Lindsey Olivo
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 10
Claremont High School
“I interviewed a fellow classmate to see what she was looking forward to in the new year.”
never give up
2022
Artist: Dustin Divine Sicherman and Jacksan gorman
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 10
Claremont High School
“I got knocked down and my spirit was ruined but I trained hard and got to be a lot better and my soccer career looked brighter.”
Be a Friend
2022
Artist: Madelyn Schell
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
“We have been disconnected societally with the people we love and care for, so in returning back to school, work, and jobs in person; it's important for everyone to have a friend to lean on.”
GOALS 2022
2022
Artist: Ian Deharo
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
“I want to help with saving the environment and making the earth a better place for all to appreciate because sunshine is the best medicine.”
Our 2022 Goals
2022
Artist: Yuji Jones, Ryley Swift, Victor Alvarez, and Adrian Amezquita
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Grade: 12
Claremont High School
“I decided to choose this category because I was curious with what my classmates’ goals or hopes were in this coming year, whether that’s exercising, taking on a new hobby, or maintaining their core values.”
Goals for 2022
2022
Artist: Victor Alvarez
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
“I definitely think this year will be more productive for persol growth, especially with the hope for the world to become better as well.”
Entering 2022
2022
Artist: Liam O’Reilly-Hahn
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
“This project had three main goals: to show my goals for the upcoming year, to get people to help with the tragic outbreak in homelessness that has spiked in our city, and to hopefully inspire at least one person in achieving their goals in 2022.”
Don’t Stop Me Now
2022
Artist: Andrew Bui
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
“I chose this category to hopefully spread my hopes to a wider audience. I want more people to see my hopes for 2022 and maybe even relate with me!”
Hopes for 2022
2022
Artist: Viraj Urkudey
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
a dancing duck because I believe it’s important to have some levity in these uncertain times.”
My hopes for 2022
2022
Artist: Andrew Pontious
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
“My submission uses bright and colorful images portraying that 2022 will be a bright and happy year.”
Bliss
2022
Artist: Boushra Bettir
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
“Being in times of distress for several people, I wanted to convey a more upbeat experience, than a video highlighting the negative issues revolving around the world.”
Hopes for 2022
2022
Artist: Tatya Locklin
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
“The reason I chose this category was to help myself find hope in the little things in my life.”