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Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness are reportedly common for high school students in the US, with 4 in 10 students experiencing these emotions and nearly a quarter of them experiencing thoughts of suicidal ideation, . 

To help shine a spotlight on these feelings that are often kept in the dark, three Woodbridge High School students portrayed the important role friendship can play in a student’s mental health journey in their short film,   The film’s creators, Marleen Juarez, Pauline Nguyen and Mahi Thakkar have since won first place in the suicide prevention category at the statewide Directing Change Program and Film Contest, hosted at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles on May 16.

In the mental health category, University High School students Moses Fleischman, Alex Lu and Harrison Roberts-Dahlgren submitted the film  and placed third overall. Teams from Irvine and Portola high schools were also recognized.  

 promotes awareness of mental health and suicide prevention by encouraging middle and high school students throughout California to create 30- to 60-second films on related topics. The nonprofit organization was formed in 2017 to help push statewide efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, prevent suicidal ideation and increase awareness of the growing mental health crisis among youth.

In recognizing students that address these topics through cinematography, Directing Change aims to utilize these films to further support mental health awareness, education and advocacy efforts. For its 11th annual competition, the organizers received more than a thousand film submissions from 178 schools and community organizations. 

From 17 Orange County schools, 285 students participated this year and submitted a total of 95 films in the contest. 

Below are the winning IUSD student films, categorized by statewide and regional honors: 

State Awards 

Suicide Prevention Category – First Place:  
Woodbridge High School 
Filmmakers: Marleen Juarez, Pauline Nguyen and Mahi Thakkar
Advisor: Megan Humphreys

Mental Health Category – Third Place:  
University High School 
Filmmakers: Moses Fleischman, Alex Lu, Harrison Roberts-Dahlgren
Advisor: Hali Kessler 

Regional Awards and Honorable Mentions

Suicide Prevention:

First Place: “That’s What Friends Are For”
Orange County
Woodbridge High School
Filmmakers: Marleen Juarez, Pauline Nguyen, and Mahi Thakkar
Advisor: Megan Humphreys

Mental Health:

First Place: “Sensory Overload”
Orange County
University High School
Filmmakers: Moses Fleischman, Alex Lu, and Harrison Roberts-Dahlgren
Advisor: Hali Kessler

Second Place: “Always There”
Orange County
Irvine High School / iTV
Filmmakers: Bryant Saban, Brianna Ramirez, and Maryam Jalali
Advisor: Elizabeth Keller and Rebeccah Phillips

Animated Short Category:

Fifth Place: “Their Room”
Orange County
University High School
Filmmaker: Moses Fleischman
Advisor: Hanna Adessi

Honorable Mentions:

“The Helper”
Orange County
Irvine High School
Filmmakers: Hope Wellikson, Ellie Irianto, Angie Baik, Jay Han, Isaac Kim, Cadence Yip, and Lana Alsamawi
Advisor: Elizabeth Keller & Rebeccah Phillips

“In My Mind”
Orange County
Irvine High School
Filmmakers: Aura Cisneros, Lana Phan, and Kaia Paul
Advisor: Elizabeth Keller
 

“Coach Veronica’s Journey”
Orange County
Portola High School
Filmmakers: Sharon Chen, Emma Suh, Jonathan Kim, and Josiah Lee
Advisor: Tina Murphy

“Heavy Weight”
Orange County
University High School
Filmmakers: Moses Fleischman, David Du, Yonatan Marian, Shane Plourde, Ramone Hamilton, and Quentin Marino
Advisor: Martin Stibolt

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation, here are a few free resources available to help:

• The , which enables students to seek support anonymously for themselves or for friends.  You may also call the Irvine Police Department non-emergency line at 949-724-700 or for emergencies, call 911.  
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 1-800-273-8255 is a 24-hour, toll-free,  that’s available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. It provides Spanish-speaking counselors, as well as options for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
• The Crisis Text Line. The Crisis Text Line is the only 24/7, nationwide . Text HOME to 741-741.
• OC WarmLine. Available 24/7, the OC WarmLine is a free and confidential telephone service providing emotional support and resources to Orange County residents. Call 714-991-6412 or visit  for more information.
• National Parent Helpline. This hotline provides emotional support and empowerment strategies to strengthen families. Call 1-855-4A PARENT(1-855-427-2736) 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays.
• 2-1-1 OC. This service connects Orange County’s most vulnerable residents with vital health and human service resources. Call 888-600-4357 or visit .