San Diego County Films

Our group chose to focus on suicide prevention because it was the most meaningful to us. Before planning the video, the members of our group deeply discussed quarantine and the effect the pandemic has had on the mental health of teens. We decided to ensure our video emphasized the importance of reaching out to a friend or loved one. We wanted to spread the message that any kind gesture, no matter how small, can do wonders.

A boy notices his friend is showing some of the warning signs of suicide, so he starts a conversation with her. He says it isn’t her fault and can’t stand by and watch her go through this alone.

This film follows a group of friends as they discover a classmate’s struggles and reach out to a trusted adult at school.

A story told in a poem and filmed on stage shows a girl who experiences thoughts of suicide. Her friends and family notice warning signs and reach out to her and call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for help.

One friend is sad. The other friend notices that they are acting different from how they normally are. They go over and talk to them and telling them that they are there for them.

We created our film to help decrease the stigma around Mental Health by showing that reaching out for help is good. Our main character struggles with her mental health issues but decides to share what she's feeling with a friend. She realizes that there's no shame in reaching out and that getting help improves her life.

A student’s story about how life isn’t always what it looks like on social media and how opening up to friends about mental health challenges can be uplifting.

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.

A film discussing mental health and emotions with a creative use of painted fingerprints.

Dear Future Me depicts 3 young students writing a letter of encouragement to their future self. In the letter, each student talks about the challenges of their teenage years such as facing discrimination, name calling, and overcoming color barriers.

Taking the time to talk & share your feelings can help deal with the problems in everyday life. Every word and every person matters!

Our eyes expresses our feelings, and show the emotions in us. Take time to look at others and offer help if needed because everyone deserves to be seen, and everyone deserves to be happy.

A student struggles as he's being labeled and bullied at school. A friend reaches out to him and uses positive words to build him up.

A student explains the importance of taking care of your mental health along with your physical health.

A student deals with anxiety and talks about what methods help her cope with it.

Mental health challenges affect many people, from the young to the elderly. Your mental health is important, and there is HOPE. Hear from 8th grader Paola as she shares her struggle with mental health issues- and how she "Esperanza En Nuestro Corazón" found hope within her heart. You can do the same.

“Now that 2023 has officially started, it gives us yet another chance to start over, and what we can do in order to better ourselves for the new year. As they say, "new year, new me", it is time to prove it, and the time starts now. I wanted to share this animation to show that with another chance and a good mindset, anything can be achieved. Better to do it now than later before time catches up. I wish all a happy new year!”

"Dear Me, What If" is about the power of having dreams, and making them come true. Right now we are young, but all of us can accomplish great things if we take care of our mental health now. There are no limits on dreams, and each one of us can do anything we set our minds to. No matter what we become, we have the ability to change the world - one “if” at a time.

“Our submission brings justice to the kids and teens of color who get kidnapped or taken everyday; no one ever speaks about them, and they rarely receive any news coverage. Furthermore, if they were white, then way more people would have heard about them.”

“Saying thank you to our family, friends, and teachers for the unconditional love and kindness they provide feels good- and brings happiness to our hearts. When we show gratitude, it changes our lives AND the lives of those around us. So... what are you waiting for? Any time is a good time to show gratitude!”

“Our submission brings justice to the kids and teens of color who get kidnapped or taken everyday; no one ever speaks about them, and they rarely receive any news coverage. Furthermore, if they were white, then way more people would have heard about them.”

“Saying thank you to our family, friends, and teachers for the unconditional love and kindness they provide feels good- and brings happiness to our hearts. When we show gratitude, it changes our lives AND the lives of those around us. So... what are you waiting for? Any time is a good time to show gratitude!”