We will be announcing and recognizing the statewide winning films in the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Matters category at our 8th Annual Award Ceremony on May 19th. Across the state 21 films advanced to a second statewide round of judging. The first, second, and third place winners in each category will be announced and screened at the event. In addition we will also be screening and recognizing the 1st place winners in our specialty categories: Through the Lens of Culture, SanaMente, Animated Short, and Walk in Our Shoes.
Screen, Vote and Share!
- Screen the finalists in the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Matters categories and our specialty category winners below. You can also watch all of the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Matters finalists in one go in the following screenings:
- Vote for your favorite film to win the “2020 People’s Choice” award in each category. The film will be recognized on social media and filmmakers will receive an Amazon Gift Card.
- Share your favorite films & tag us, every share will result in a donation to the program by one of our sponsors.
As a non-profit organization we greatly appreciate your support!
A heartfelt thank you to our event sponsors
“Our heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the 2020 Directing Change Film Contest! While we wish we could walk the red carpet with you and be there in person to celebrate together, we are honored that we can still support your hard work this year through a virtual event. And to all the student filmmakers – thank you for your creativity and bravery in telling these incredible stories centered around mental health and suicide prevention.” Amanda Lasik, BlueSky Program Manager
Suicide Prevention
Mental Health Matters
Specialty Categories First Place Winners
Animated Short
SanaMente
Through the Lens of Culture – Suicide Prevention
Through the Lens of Culture – Mental Health Matters
Our Event Sponsors:
Directing Change is part of Each Mind Matters: California’s Mental Health Movement and statewide efforts to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and to promote the mental health and wellness of students. These initiatives are funded by counties through the Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63) and administered by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), an organization of county governments working to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
This year our signature event sponsor is Blue Shield California.The Blue Shield of California BlueSky initiative supports mental health for middle and high school students in California by providing additional clinicians in schools, training teachers on the signs of mental health issues, and empowering students with in-person and online mental health support resources. It is a multi-year effort in collaboration with the California Department of Education and leading nonprofit organizations to enhance access, awareness and advocacy to mental health supports.
Your Social Marketer, Inc has been a Directing Change partner for many years and is passionate about having the films seen by as many people as possible to inspire much needed conversations on these topics in our schools, families and communities. They will make a donation for every “Share and Tag” of this year’s finalists.
