In a world where the mental health of young individuals is more important than ever, the annual Directing Change film contest stands out as a beacon of hope and creativity.
Organized as a collaboration between the Riverside University Health System, Riverside County Office of Education, Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition, and the California Directing Change Program, this inspiring competition empowers young filmmakers to address critical issues such as mental health, suicide prevention, and social justice through the powerful medium of film. This year’s competition brought together talented students from across the county to share their stories, raise awareness, and inspire change.
This year’s competition featured five categories for the young filmmakers to focus on, each showcasing the unique perspectives and talents of the participants. The categories included Hope and Justice, Animated Short, Mental Health Matters, Through the Lens of Culture, and Suicide Prevention.
Each film submission serves as a testament to the students' dedication to creating a more compassionate and understanding society. By exploring themes like depression, anxiety, and cultural perspectives on mental health, these young filmmakers are helping to break down the stigma surrounding these issues and provide valuable resources and support for those in need.
Award-winning films were created by students from:
- Alvord Unified School District
- Corona-Norco Unified School District
- Desert Sands Unified School District
- Moreno Valley Unified School District
- Palm Springs Unified School District
- Perris Union High School District
- Riverside Unified School District
- Temecula Valley Unified School District
To learn more about the Directing Change film contest and explore the winning films, visit our dedicated Directing Change web page.
