Last month, Arantza Villarroel, Melanie Lopez, and Natalia Reyes from San Clemente High School were recognized for achieving fifth place in Directing Change’s statewide video competition under their “Through the Lens of Culture” category. The Directing Change Program and film contest is part of statewide efforts to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and promote mental wellness for youth. Since 2011, the contest has offered youth across California the opportunity to explore suicide prevention and mental health via filmmaking. While anyone can read and learn about the signs of suicide or mental illness, the creation of a short film resonates with both youth and adults on a deeper level.
The “Through the Lens of Culture” category empowers youth to share their cultural experiences and how this shapes their perspective on mental well-being. Video submissions undergo evaluation based on technical skills and creative decisions. While participants are free to take creative liberty when crafting their videos, all entries must adhere to guidelines promoting sensitivity and respect. While videos might depict individuals struggling with mental health challenges, they should also inspire youth to take action to protect their mental well-being. All entries conclude with a message of hope and a resource.
Fifth place winner, “Cambiemos el Pasado” or “Let’s Change the Past,” delves into the burdens that many children of immigrant parents face: the daunting task of achieving overwhelmingly high expectations. Through this narrative, the artists explore the stigmas embedded in Latinx culture and the impact of generational trauma on youth’s mental health. The short film portrays the struggles of three teens as they wrestle with academic pressures and hide feelings of stress from their parents. The film conveys the pressures that many children of immigrant families face in trying to be the “perfect child” and achieve more than their parents. Many young people feel an immense responsibility to make their parents’ sacrifices “worth it”, even at the cost of their mental health. The video encourages youth from immigrant backgrounds to challenge these expectations for their overall mental well-being and break the cycle of generational trauma.
When asked to share their inspiration for creating “Cambiemos el Pasado”, filmmaker Melanie Lopez expressed that making this film allowed them to connect with others and let them know they’re not alone in their challenges. The student elaborates, “Sharing feelings can lead to positive change in the community and for future generations. This motivated me to create and engage in this project. I’m thrilled to have contributed to making a difference in my community.”
The Directing Change Program and film contest receives more than a thousand submissions each year. It was a huge accomplishment and honor for the students from San Clemente High School to achieve fifth place in the statewide competition. Orange County did well in the competition overall, earning recognition in every category. Students can enter the competition with the support of their school or community-based organization. The Wellness & Prevention Center was the advisor for this submission. You can view the film and learn more about the program on the Directing Change Website.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Help line at 988. You should also have a conversation about mental health with someone you love. The more we discuss mental health, the more likely we will reach out for help.