Films for Diverse Communities

2025

“Manos Que Sostienen” (The Hands that Hold Us)
Kern County
Career Technical Education Center
Filmmakers: Deven Sullivan, Violetamarysol Morales, and Nicolas Bolanos
Advisor: Lisa Krch
Language: English and Spanish with English captions
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Centered on a father/daughter relationship, this film is a testament to the importance of making time to talk with and stay connected to those closest to us.

“For Who You Are”
Santa Cruz County
Harbor High
Filmmakers: Reese Weiss and Sophia Davalos
Advisor: Larkin Wilson
Language: English with English captions
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Featuring members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, “For Who You Are” provides reassurance by reminding viewers that dark times don’t last forever.

“Rewrite Your History”
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmaker: Bradley Leisure-Sangster
Advisor: James Miura
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Language: English with English captions
Told from the perspective of a Native youth, “Rewrite Your History” is a powerful film about identity, belonging, and forging your own path while staying connected to your roots.

“Behind the Curtain”
Riverside County
Ramona High School
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Language: English with English captions
This film centers on the culture of those dedicated to the performing arts, reminding them to check in with themselves and take care of their mental health.

“Breaking The Silence”
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Village Academy High School
Filmmaker: Jacob Fuentes
Advisor: Dacy Nottingham
Language: English and Spanish with English captions
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Told from the perspective of a youth in a Hispanic household, this film addresses generational divides around mental health and the importance of speaking up about feelings.

“Nước” (Water) 
Orange County
La Quinta High School
Filmmaker: Kevin Nguyen
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
Language: English with English captions
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Told from the perspective of a youth with a Vietnamese background, this film bridges the cultural and the personal to remind youth that they are always enough.

“Finding Connection”
San Diego County
Mira Mesa High
Filmmakers: Noah B. and Denise H.
Advisor: Laurisa Murray
Language: Spanish and English with English captions
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“Finding Connection” explores the struggles of changing schools while also navigating a language barrier, ultimately showing that hope and connection and still possible.

“Support”
San Bernardino County
Jurupa Hills High School
Filmmakers: Alejandra Nunez and Kelly Calderon
Advisor: Jhoaan I. Acosta Idda
Language: English with English captions
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“Support” is about the challenges some youth face when trying to communicate with their parents about mental health.

“La Tormenta Interior”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmaker: Melany Medina Cabrera
Advisor: Mark Switzer
Language: Spanish with English captions
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Told from the perspective of a hispanic youth who expresses herself through music, this film encourages us all to speak upabout our feelings and connect with others when we are struggling.

“Umoja”
Orange County
Buena Park High School
Filmmaker: Stacy Kuria
Advisor: Shayan Vaziritabar
Language: English with English captions
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“Umoja” centers on the importance of family, unity, and the strength of speaking up, reminding youth from all backgrounds that they are never alone.

“Mi Hermanita”
Los Angeles County
Warren High School
Filmmakers: Joyce Ramirez, Natzareth Ochoa, and Eny Villa
Advisor: Jared Nelson
Language: English and Spanish with English captions
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Using a quinceañera as a jumping off point, this film addresses the difficulty of talking about mental health challenges in some familes.

“Obstacles Faced Growning Up in Hispanic Culture”
Santa Cruz County
Harbor High
Filmmakers: Alondra Marin and Fatima Chavez
Advisor: Larkin Wilson
Language: English with English captions
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This film unpacks some of the challenges faced by Hispanic youth, working to normalize conversations about mental health.


2012-2024

“Hot Pot”
Orange County
Los Alamitos High School
Filmmakers: Charlize Fan, Isabella Kira, Kolyana Si, Branden Reyes, and Shilah Shurki
Advisor: Conner Brown
Language: English with English captions
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“Hot Pot” shows a boy who is struggling with school and mental health find the courage to confide in his father.

“Bloom”
San Diego County
San Diego Met High School
Filmmakers: Isabella Guerrero, Deleyna Quintero, Sydnie Pitzer, and Sasha Ruderman
Advisor: Gini Mann-Deibert
Language: English with English captions
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“Bloom” addresses the intersectionality of struggling with mental health as an immigrant or child of immigrants.
“Half-Rinsed”
Orange County
La Quinta High School Creative Writing
Filmmakers: Kevin Nguyen, Orbal Farhad, Audrey Pham, and Kevin Le
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
Language: Vietnamese and English with English captions
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This film explores mental health through the lens of Vietnamese culture, touching on identity, communication, and inter-generational barriers.

“Who Am I to Complain”
Orange County
La Quinta High School Creative Writing
Filmmakers: Sophia Kabir, Vivian Nguyen, Kayleen O’Connor, Kiara O’Connor, and Megan Le
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
Language: Vietnamese and English with English captions
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This film centers on the eldest daughter in a Vietnamese family who struggles with mental health due to stress and the pressures of perfectionism.

“No Estas Solo”
Orange County
Woodbridge High School
Filmmaker: Marleen Juarez
Advisor: Franklyn Belsey
Language: English with English captions
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This film seeks to uplift those struggling with mental health in the Latino community, showing them that there’s support and hope.

“Three Of Me”
Riverside County
David A. Brown Middle School
Filmmakers: Esmeralda Mendoza, Karson Herold, Abigail Roulette, and David Starr
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
Language: Belarusian, Spanish, and English with English captions
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“Three of Me” explores the rich family history and mental health experiences of the student filmmakers behind it.

“The Boy Who Cried Help”
Alameda County
Madison Park Academy
Filmmaker: Pamela Hernandez
Advisor: Sydney Barnett
Language: English with English captions
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This film aims to bring more awareness and understanding to the topic of men’s mental health.
“Cleanse Your Mind”
Riverside County
Hillcrest High School
Filmmaker: Viviana Monroy
Advisor: Amy Leulu
Language: English with English captions
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The youth behind “Cleanse Your Mind” wanted to put a different spin on the topic of mental health in Latino communities.

“That Didn’t Come Out Right”
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
After School Arts Academy/Fremont Academy of Engineering and Design
Filmmakers: Joceline Pelagio-Godinez and Victor Mendez-Martinez
Advisor: Beverly “BJ” Rouse
Language: English with English captions
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This film tells the story of a youth who is outed to their parents by a school principal.

“Generations Talking”
San Diego County
TrueCare
Filmmakers: Jasmin Altamirano Diego, Valeria Corona, Emily Reyes, Martha Orea Rios, and Mary Sotelo
Advisor: Haania Origel
Language: English and Spanish with English captions
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This film portrays a spectrum of cultural perspectives on mental health, showing how different generations and communities can support each other.

“Cambiemos el Pasado”
Orange County
Wellness and Prevention Foundation
Filmmakers: Arantza Villarroel, Melanie Lopez, and Natalia Reyes
Advisor: Monika Robles
Language: Spanish with English captions
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This film addresses the burdens youth feel when pressured to live up to the expectations of immigrant parents, stress and anxiety that unachievable standards cause, and breaking the cycle of generational trauma. 

“Mi Querido Bello”
Riverside County
Valley View High School
Filmmakers: Angelica Muñoz and Aaliyah Duran
Advisor: Chris Lorenz
Language: Spanish with English captions
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A young girl who has recently lost her grandpa finds herself struggling with the loss and feels like she doesn’t have anyone to turn to.

“We Are Still Here”
Shasta County
Redding School of the Arts
Filmmakers: Destimona Harrington and Eva Franceschini
Advisor: Teshya Russo
Language: Ojibwe with English captions
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A youth illuminates the traditions of her father’s culture while speaking the language of her mother’s people. 

“Dusa”
Los Angeles County
City Honors International Preparatory High School
Filmmakers: Sean Esplana and Danny Gonzalez
Advisor: Tadeo Huazo
Language: Tagalog with English captions
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A girl who is dealing with family and cultural pressures to be perfect learns how to break through her struggle and grow.

“Two Cultures”
Sacramento County
Harriet G. Eddy Middle School
Filmmakers: Somaya Temuri, Sama Usman, and Hosna Karimi
Advisor: Maureen Schroeder
Language: Farsi with English captions
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The film is about an girl from Afghanistan who is facing many challenges due to having two cultures and struggling to understand her teachers in English. 

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional – John Maxwell”
Solano County
Vanden High School
Filmmaker: Matteos Figueroa
Advisor: Brent Manuel
Language: Portugese and English with English captions
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This film describes the challenges that immigrants face while informing those with mental health issues about how to reach out for help.

“Black Eventually Cracks”
Solano County
Vanden High School
Filmmaker: Donavon Richardson
Advisor: Brent Manuel
Language: English
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This film is about the expectations for men in the Black community and the impact those expectations can have on their mental health. 

“La Lucha Invisible”
Orange County
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Mel Medina and Sophia Acosta
Advisor: Mark Switzer
Language: Spanish with English captions
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“La Lucha Invisible” is about a hispanic girl who is struggling with her mental health despite appearing happy on the outside.

“Walls”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Madison Gallacher and Ara Andrews
Advisor: Alex Graham
Language: Hebrew and English captions
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This film provides a look into mental health through the lens of Jewish culture.

“Cultural Mindsets”
Los Angeles County
Central City Value High School
Filmmakers: Mayra Gomez, Kaylie Moscoso, and Andres Perez
Advisor: Jessica Ramirez
Language: English with English captions
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A student talks to her friend about the stigma she faces when her mom dismisses her mental health issues.

“Solo Pero Seguro”
Orange County
Santiago High School
Filmmakers: Alex Hernandez, Benjamin Hernandez, Alejandro Hernandez, and Catalina Hernandez
Advisor: Tina Heiland
Language: Spanish with English captions
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This a film is about a youth trying to cope with his emotions in a Latino household.

“Directing Change Documentary: A Look Into the Mental Health of the LGBTQ+ Community”
Sacramento County
Pleasant Grove High School
Filmmakers: Lillian Harlan and Nathan Standring
Advisor: Delaire Doyle
Language: English with English captions
View & Download
This documentary-style film includes interviews from numerous students in order to provide an authentic glimpse into the mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

“Breaking the Silence”
San Joaquin County
Weston Ranch High School
Filmmakers: Akira-Faith Thornsavanh-Surigao, Ishpreet Kaur, Samihah Khan, and Ben Arjie Saptang
Advisor: Patrick Windschitl
Language: English and Spanish with English captions
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Told from the perspective of a youth in a Hispanic household, this film addresses generational divides around mental health and the importance of speaking up about feelings

“Aceptación de la Salud Mental”
Kern County
West High School
Filmmakers: Eleny Morales and Saniya Fulmer
Advisor: Dewey Compton
Language: Spanish and English with English captions
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This film aims to spread the message that mental health should be embraced and discussed by all communities and cultures.

“Dear Culture”
Alameda County
Basis Independent Fremont
Filmmaker: Shreya Sadhwani
Advisor: Lizbeth Diaz
Language: English with English captions
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This film addresses some of the conflicts and challenges faced by the children of immigrants.

“Real People”
Kern County
Career Technical Education Center
Filmmakers: MaryGrace Leyson and Irish Pinkston
Advisor: Lisa Krch
Language: English with English captions
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This film seeks to combat internalized homophobia while empowering young members of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Wait, What?”
Sacramento County
Rio Americano High School
Filmmaker: Naya Winn
Advisor: Leigh Sumers
Language: English
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“Wait, What?” explores the identity crisis that often impacts teens of mixed ethnicity.

“God, Where Are You?”
Kern County
Career Technical Education Center
Filmmakers: Lillie Renteria and Adelin Pineda
Advisor: Lisa Krch
Language: English with English captions
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This film addresses mental health stigma and challenges in Hispanic Christian and Catholic communities.

“Los Hombres No Lloran”
Tri-City (Los Angeles County)
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Maxima McCormack, Lola Garcia, Alyssa Guerrero, and Scarlette Sanders
Advisor: Sara Hills
Language: Spanish with English captions
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A boy in a boxing match speaks about the struggles of being a man in the Latin culture and realizes it’s OK to be brave and show vulnerability.

“Pressure”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Jackson Hein and Austin Oneal
Advisor: Michael Peck
Language: English with English captions
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This films discusses how the pressure of being an athlete can affect people in different ways, sometimes leading to mental health issues.

“Plus Que Forte” 
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmaker: Christina Batte
Advisor: Ella Harrison
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Language: French with English captions
This film explores the expectations placed on black women and encourages them to reach out when they need support for their mental health.

“The Mental Blanket”
Orange County
Brea Olinda High School
Filmmakers: Nemo Luong, Kim Tong, and Mia Luong
Advisor: Bill Mings
Language: English and Vietnamese with English captions
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A film that talks about views on mental health in the Vietnamese community and how to reduce stigma.

“Legacy”
Alameda County
Irvington High School
Filmmakers: TingYi Wu, Evan Shih, and Colin Zhao
Advisor: Shiloh Burton
Language: Mandarin Chinese with English captions
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A mother and son reflect on their experiences with mental health after the son shares a letter about how he is struggling.

“Arab Hearts-Mental Health PSA”
Los Angeles County
Granada Hills Charter High School
Filmmaker: Borhan Safaei
Advisor: Cindy Quintana
Language: English with English captions
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A film about how mental health is not always spoken about in Arab households, but that support is available.

“Discovering May”
Orange County
Portola High School
Filmmakers: Shailee Sankhala, Grace Shao, Jake Sanjongco, and May Essman
Advisor: Ryan Itchon
Language: English with English captions
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A transgender woman shares her story of discovering her identity.

“Stigmas Around the World”
Orange County
Woodbridge High School
Filmmakers: Laila Nahas, Jessica Ramirez, Naomi Kim, and Pauline Kim
Advisor: Megan Humphreys
Language: English with English captions
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A film about the stigma surrounding mental health in various cultures.

“When I Was Your Age”
Orange County
Portola High School
Filmmakers: Cecilia Mou, Ryne Dunman, and Shailee Sankhala
Advisor: Ryan Itchon
Language: Chinese, Hindi, and English with English captions
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A film that explores the generational and cultural differences in the way families perceive mental health.

“Bridge the Generations”
Alameda County
Irvington High School
Filmmakers: Nicole Lee and An Truong
Advisor: Shiloh Burton
Language: Chinese (Mandarin) and Vietnamese with English captions
View & Download
This film encourages young people to start conversations about mental health with different generations.

“The Key to Success”
Alameda County
Irvington High School
Filmmakers: Sambhav Mehta, Sweekrit Bhatnagar, Aashrith Bandaru, and Meenal Mehta
Advisor: Shiloh Burton
Language: Hindi with English captions
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A boy organizes a Diwali party for his friend to support him when he is struggling.

“Plants”
Alameda County
Irvington High School
Filmmakers: Madison Ding and Chelsea Huang
Advisor: Shiloh Burton
Language: Chinese (Mandarin) with English captions
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A girl talks about her mental health in her culture and seeks help from a friend during the pandemic.

“School Comes First”
Los Angeles County
Warren High School
Filmmaker: Elizabeth Gallegos
Advisor: Jared Nelson
Language: English with English captions
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This film focuses on pressures of school on young people and how mental health should come first.

“Hablemos”
Monterey County
Salinas High Psychology
Filmmakers: Rosalba Ortega, Katy F., and Alex B.
Advisor: Nathan Voigtschild
Language: Spanish with English captions
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This film is about expectations in Hispanic households and how it’s okay to reach out for help.

“Wipe Out Every Tear”
Orange County
Pacific Coast High School
Filmmakers: Brianna Belgrave, Gianni Belgrave, and Peyton Badham
Advisor: Barry Koff
Language: English with English captions
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A film encouraging Jehovah Witnesses to seek out help when they are struggling with their mental health.

“End the Silence” 
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmakers: Ally Muzic & Connor Downing
Advisor: Ella Harrison
Language: American Sign Language with English captions
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In this educational film, Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth share examples of how to reach out to a friend who may be experiencing a mental health challenge to show support and help to end the silence of mental health stigma.

“Proud to Be Me” 
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmakers: Hallie Conrad
Advisor: Alex Graham
Language: English with English captions
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An inspiring film from the LGBTQ perspective of a high school student who shares his story of overcoming depression and being proud of who he is.

“Good Medicine” 
Fresno County
FAIHP
Filmmakers: Paul A., Luis B., Ben C.
Advisor: Eva Minaskeian
Language: English with English captions
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A film from the perspective of Native American culture which highlights the healing ways in which Native cultural practices can help those experiencing addiction and mental health challenges.

“Taking Flight” 
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmaker: Michelle Quan
Advisor: Dawn Williams
Language: Cantonese with English captions
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This film is told from the perspective of a Chinese girl struggling with mental health; after a friend reaches out to her, she begins speaking about her mental illness and finds the strength to get help.

“What Will the People Think?”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmaker: Mana Javadi
Advisor: Alex Graham
Language: Farsi with English captions
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This film shines a light on the cultural stigmas placed on mental illness, specifically depression, in Iranian culture.

“Talk About More”
Orange County
Canyon High School
Filmmaker: Tiffany Le
Advisor: Alex Graham
Language: English with English captions
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This film encourages Asian Americans to speak up about their mental health and acknowledges why this can be difficult due to many Asian cultures practice of showing feelings through actions and not words.

“Where Do I Belong”
San Diego County
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc
Filmmaker: Breahna Gillespie
Advisor: Dr. Donna L. Cook
Language: English with English captions
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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 rooted Ghanaian beliefs of unity.

“Caged Bird”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmakers: Holly Cheng
Advisor: Brad Clark
Language: Mandarin with English captions
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A hopeful animated film about how becoming more educated about mental health can allow us to help and care for those living with mental health challenges.

“Not Alone”
Los Angeles County
Northview High School
Filmmakers: Theo Casey, Fernando Cortes, Elias Anaya & Miguel Valadez
Advisor: Diane Atherton
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Language: English with English captions
A film about gender identity/orientation and a young person experiencing depression who finds help after speaking with a friend.

“Depression is Serious” 
Riverside County
NOVA Academy Early College High School
Filmmakers: Jasmine Caballero, Mariela Mulato, Guadalupe Centeno, Judith Isidoro & Sonia Roman
Advisor: Brandon Equils
Language: English with English captions
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A young person diagnosed with depression describes her experience from a Hispanic cultural perspective.

“Generational Trauma on Indian Country”
Humboldt County
Humboldt County Transition Age Youth Collaboration
Filmmakers: Tristin Severns & Sean Taggart
Advisor: Leah Lamattina
Language: English with English captions
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Youth share a hopeful message about how Native American communities can come together to use culture as medicine to improve mental health.

“The Language of Understanding”
Los Angeles County
University of California, Los Angeles
Filmmakers: Peter Guan & Kevin Ruan
Advisor: Saeromi Kim
Language: Mandarin with English captions
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This hopeful film shows the struggles of a young person as he tackles his mental health in his Chinese family.

“A Friend in Need”
Placer County
Whitney High School
Filmmakers: Chenhao Liu & Jackson Cable
Advisor: Benjamin Barnholdt
Language: Chinese with English captions
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A story of how friends can show support to those who are experiencing a mental health challenge and a
reminder that help is out there no matter the circumstance.

“The Language of Healing”
San Francisco County
San Francisco State University
Filmmakers: Alejandra Vaca and Amanda Deda
Advisor: Vincent Lam
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Language: English and other languages with English captions.
First generation college students express some of the barriers they faced when accessing mental health services and encourage young people to seek support through the healing power of community.

“Through Our Eyes”
San Bernardino County
Ruben S. Ayala High School
Filmmakers: Ashley Chuang, Nelly Hejazi, Melanie Pak, and Nikhil Vettikattu
Advisor: Kevin Russell
Language: English and various languages with English subtitles
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High school students discuss in a variety of languages how mental illness transcends cultural boundaries and share the importance of starting a conversation about this topic.

“Hear Me”
Sacramento County
Elk Grove High School
Filmmakers: Curtis Wong, Morgana Parsons, Cathrina Paclibar and Mauriana Raye
Advisor: Jennifer Moore
Language: American Sign Language with English captions
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A student  diagnosed with an anxiety disorder shares her experience communicating through sign language to break the silence of mental illness.

“Talking Taboo”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Summer Soldano and Sami Laine
Advisor: Michael Peck
Language: English with English captions
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An exchange student from Ecuador discusses her experience joining the Each Mind Matters mental health movement.

“Binary Blues”
Humboldt County
Humboldt County Transition Age Youth Collaboration
Filmmakers: Luna, Bloo, and Elijah Z
Advisor: Rochelle Trochtenberg
Language: English with English captions
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This film is about the beauty of diversity and how transgender and gender non-conforming youth can look to their community for support.

“Eclipse Industries Suicide PSA”
Alameda County
Alameda High School
Filmmakers: Stephanie dos Remedios, Laila Zeppard, Zhana Prince, Vy Huynh, Maria Pasqualino, Bruno Santos, Carly Doumitt
Advisor: John Dalton
Language: English and other languages with English captions
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High school students discuss in a variety of languages how depression can affect anyone regardless of age, geographic location, demographic, or social position and that there is always help.

“Helping Hand”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmakkers: Brad Ricketts and Calvin Freer
Advisor: Michael Peck
Language: English with English closed captions
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High school students discuss how sports team culture involves always having each others’ back and how the same can be applied to supporting people experiencing depression.

“Yurok, Healing Through Tradition”
Del Norte County
Redwood Voice
Filmmaker: Jacob Patterson
Advisor: Makenzy Williams
Language: English
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A story of how important it is for indigenous tribes to heal from suicide deaths in their community and how Yurok culture can heal through learning from elders, protecting sacred lands, and honoring culture through dance, song, and prayer.

“Just Talk”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmaker: Clayton Bucholz
Advisor: Michael Peck
Language: English with English captions
View & Download
A film which highlights the importance of reaching out to friends who may be experiencing a mental health challenge in a world where technology can sometimes create a barrier to communicating.

“Confidently Anxious”
Riverside County
Desert Mirage High School
Filmmakers: Andred Chavez and Miguel Lopez
Advisor: Mr. Ellingson
Language: English with English captions
View & Download
This film explores the experience of anxiety and stress through the lens of a boy from a Latino background.


“It’s Okay”
Kern County
Career Technical Education Center
Language: Punjabi with English captions
Filmmakers: Simran Kaur and Christopher Neal
Advisor: Lisa Krch
View & Download
This film showcases the cultural problems that many in Punjabi and South Asian communities face.

“Directing Change Documentary: A Look into the Mental Health of the LGBTQ+ Community”
Sacramento County
Pleasant Grove High School
Filmmakers: Lillian Harlan and Nathan Standring
Advisor: Delaire Doyle
Language: English with English captions
View & Download
This documentary-style film includes interviews from numerous students in order to provide an authentic glimpse into the mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

“Estamos Juntos”
San Mateo County
SafeSpace
Filmmakers: Bela Duffy, Desiree Ramon-Aquino, Xamara Carillo, and Chris Almazan
Advisor: Annie Kim
Language: Spanish with English captions
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Two friends support each other in finding the confidence to speak about mental health with their parents.

“Expectations of Immigrant Children”
Sacramento County
Elk Grove High School
Filmmakers: Armaa Dhillon, Helina Pham, and Cadence Rinelli
Advisor: Jennifer Moore
Language: English with English captions
View & Download
This film explores the pressures that children of immigrants often face, as well as the impacts of those expectations on mental health.

“Doctor, Engineer, Lawyer, or Failure”
Riverside County
Landmark Middle School
Filmmaker: Brooke Gondal
Advisor: Ms. Hoang
Language: English the English captions
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A youth discusses the experience of growing up in a South Asian home, the way cultural pressure can lead to burnout, and the resources available for those who are struggling.

“I Need Help Getting Help”
Riverside County
Murrietta Valley High School
Filmmaker: Sarah Everett
Advisor: Ella Harrison
Language: English with English captions
View & Download
This powerful film is told from the perspective of a Black girl struggling with suicidal thoughts and not feeling like she belongs.

“I See You”
Orange County
La Quinta High School
Filmmakers: Kevin Le, Jenny Nguyen, Ruby Chau, Jeslyn Le, and Jessica Truong
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
Language: Vietnamese and English with English captions
View & Download
This artistic film focuses on a Vietnamese-American boy who doesn’t feel seen by his family. A friend provides support and encourages him to reach out for help.
                                                                                  
“In Our Shoes”
Kern County
Career Technical Education Center
Filmmakers: Miguel Valadez and Gurkirat Singh
Advisor: Lisa Krch
Language: English, Punjabi, Spanish, and Korean with English captions
View & Download
In this personal film, numerous students from a range of cultures express some of the challenges they’ve faced in school. 

“It’ll Be Okay”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmaker: Suhani Hazari
Advisor: Brad Clark
Language: English with English captions
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A youth describes the way her family’s Indian heritage has an impact on her mental health and encourages Indian teens to support one another through tough times

“Macho”
Los Angeles County
Highland Park High School
Filmmakers: Carol F., Isaac M., Ashley Q., Alejandro C., Petey M., and Cesar G.
Advisors: Ms. Munguia and J.R. Yenque
Language: Spanish and English with English captions
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This films points out the harmful effects of toxic masculinity and shares the importance of reaching out for help.

“Mentally Changed”
San Diego County
Lincoln High School
Filmmakers: Taniya Cooksey and Shakur Jackson
Advisor: Eboni Harvey
Language: English with English captions
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Students contemplate Black culture and the way it intersects with mental health, emphasizing that people from all cultures should seek help if they need it.

“Siempre es Suficiente”
San Bernardino County
Upland High School
Filmmakers: Naomi Tambunan, Francis Hagan, Karyme Marin, and Rachel Pardede
Advisor: James Miura
Language: Spanish with English captions
View & Download
A young girl struggles with anxiety and loneliness due to the language barrier between her and other youth, but finds hope when she realizes she can reach out for support.

“Silenced”
Riverside County
Riverside Ramona High School
Filmmakers: Michael Lopez, Tommi Abueg, and Darla Salazar
Advisor: Mr. Nottingham
Language: English with English captions
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This film focuses on the LGBTQ+ community and the challenges some of its members face.

“El Bienestar de Todos” (The Wellbeing of All)
Santa Clara County
Mt. Pleasant High School
Filmmakers: Maria, Vianney, and Emiliano
Advisor: Mr. Cavada
Language: Spanish with English captions
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This film reminds viewers that culture can impact the way a person understands mental health and features perspectives from two generations of Latinx individuals. 

“El Secreto”
Riverside County
Murrieta Valley High School
Filmmaker: Mariana Vicencio-Mendiola
Advisor: Ella Harrison
Language: Spanish with English captions
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A youth talks about the challenges of balancing two different cultures and how to be a mental health advocate.

“Solitude”
Riverside County
Polytechnic High School
Filmmakers: Danik Soudakoff, Shea Manning, and Abigail Frausto
Advisor: John Enyeart
Language: English and ASL with English captions
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This film is about how the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community faced unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and how to get mental health support.

“Through Our Cultures’ Eyes”
Monterey County
Notre Dame High School
Filmmakers: Lauren Asunscion and Luna Catalaa
Advisor: Kristina Stone
Language: Tagalog, Spanish, and English with English captions
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In this film, two youth share their perspective on mental health challenges in their Latino and Filipino cultures.

“Transposed”
Riverside County
Ramona High School
Filmmakers: Darla Salazar and Tommi Abueg
Advisor: Mr. Nottingham
Language: English with English captions
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This film is about a trans youth’s experience with bullying, self-harm, and receiving support from loved ones. The film encourages viewers to think carefully about how their words and actions affect others.

“I Love My Culture”
Butte County
Pleasant Valley High School
Filmmakers: Kevin Ngo and Ashley Hall
Advisor: Michael Peck
Language: English with English captions
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A boy shares the positive aspects of his culture, as well as the pressures of keeping emotions hidden and not asking for help.

“Our Words / Nuestras Palabras”
Los Angeles County
Hilda Solis Learning Academy
Filmmakers: Portfolio Class
Advisor: Mr. Ng
Language: Spanish with English captions
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This film relays the message that we all have our own struggles and that taking care of our mental health should be a priority.

“We Don’t Do That”
Solano County
Vanden High School
Filmmaker: Olivia Bishop
Advisor: Brent Manuel
Language: English with English captions
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This film addresses the challenges African Americans face with cultural expectations and not expressing mental health struggles. 

“You are You”
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmakers: Benjamin Wong, raymond Wang, Emily Cho, and Michelle Escudero
Advisor: Brad Clark
Language: Numerous Asian languages with English captions
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Students from different Asian cultures speak to the stigma and pressure surrounding mental health and encourage viewers to reach out for help.

“We Are”
Sacramento County
Sacramento Native American Health Center
Filmmakers: Raevana Jordan, Agelina Hinojosa, Mireya Aguilar, and Reyna Jordan
Advisor: Jeanine Gainse
Language: English and Native American language with English captions
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This film celebrates the strength and traditions of Native communities and encourages help-seeking.