As memories of his younger self \u2014 wearing a cape and being lifted into the air by his mother \u2014 flash across the screen, the film reveals a more complex truth that being strong doesn\u2019t mean facing everything alone.<\/p>\n
The student filmmaker ultimately reframes what it means to be a \u201csuperhero,\u201d showing that asking for help is its own kind of strength. <\/p>\n
The film earned first place in the mental health category at the first-ever Directing Change Orange County Youth Choice Awards, where students across the county selected their favorite peer-created films focused on mental health awareness. Held May 1 by OCDE\u2019s Student Advocates for Mental Health program<\/a>, the inaugural Youth Choice Awards introduced a new, student-led element to the long-running Directing Change Film Contest<\/a>. <\/p>\n After 170 student-produced films were submitted to the statewide contest, Directing Change industry professionals selected top entries for countywide judging. Four to six finalists from each category \u2014 mental health, suicide prevention, through the lens of culture, substance use prevention and middle school \u2014 were then reviewed by more than 900 Orange County middle and high school students, who selected winners across five categories: mental health, suicide prevention, through the lens of culture, substance use prevention and middle school. The winning films were screened during the awards event, giving student filmmakers the opportunity to share their work directly with peers, families, educators and community partners.\u00a0<\/p>\n Every spring, the Directing Change Film Contest, organized by the nonprofit Youth Creating Change, invites students across California to submit 30- to 60-second films that explore topics such as mental health, suicide prevention and substance use prevention aimed at reducing stigma and uplifting their communities through storytelling.\u00a0<\/p>\n The OC Youth Choice Awards build on that foundation by putting students at the center of the judging process, spotlighting the perspectives of their peers while elevating standout films before they advance to statewide recognition. By placing students in the role of both creators and judges, the event encouraged peer-led discussions around mental health and the importance of seeking support.<\/p>\n Nine participating schools received technical support from OCDE\u2019s Student Advocates for Mental Health team, which provides training to help students approach sensitive topics with care as they write, produce and star in their films.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe are so proud of the films that were created and look forward to seeing the impact they will make countywide and beyond as they are used to promote awareness, elevate stories of strength, and share resources for support,\u201d said Stephanie Loscko, OCDE program specialist. \u201cHaving youth do the judging not only helped us get these important films out to schools, but also inspired more students to participate next year.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n A statewide awards ceremony on May 21 in Los Angeles will honor finalists from across California, including seven from Orange County<\/a>, and continue to shine a spotlight on youth-driven mental health awareness.\u00a0To learn more about the contest and watch this year\u2019s winning films, head to the\u00a0Directing Change website<\/a>.<\/p>\n And, the 2026 Directing Change Orange County Youth Choice Awards go to: <\/p>\n Suicide Prevention Category<\/p>\n First Place: \u201cLight at the End of the Tunnel\u201d<\/a> Mental Health Category<\/p>\n First Place: \u201cSuperhero\u201d (Advancing to statewide judging) Through the Lens of Culture Category<\/p>\n First Place: \u201cMestizo\u201d<\/a>\u00a0 Substance Use Prevention Category<\/p>\n First Place: \u201cA Light in the Dark\u201d<\/a> (Advancing to statewide judging) Middle School Category<\/p>\n First Place: \u201cwhat i don\u2019t say\u201d<\/a> (Advancing to statewide judging)\u00a0 Beyond local honors, the following additional OC films will move on to the statewide contest, where they will be screened and recognized among top student entries from across California:<\/p>\n Statewide Awards<\/p>\n Suicide Prevention Category<\/p>\n Second Place: \u201cIt Doesn\u2019t Stay Night\u201d<\/a> Mental Health Category<\/p>\n First Place: \u201cBottled Up\u201d<\/a> Third Place: \u201cDrowning\u201d<\/a> Through the Lens of Culture Category<\/p>\n Third Place: \u201cDifferent\u201d<\/a> If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation, here are a few free resources available to help: <\/p>\n The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 1-800-273-8255 is a 24-hour, toll-free,\u00a0confidential suicide prevention hotline<\/a>\u00a0that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The Crisis Text Line. The Crisis Text Line is the only 24\/7, nationwide\u00a0crisis-intervention text message hotline<\/a>. Text HOME to 741-741.<\/p>\n 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\u00a0namioc.org\/oc-warmline<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/05.01.26-Directing-Change-41-1707x2560.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Canyon High School
Filmmaker: Susan Braun\u00a0
Advisor: Alex Graham<\/p>\n
Los Alamitos High School
Filmmakers: Davis Taylor, Christopher Blocher, Audrey Romo, Mason Potter, Ashlynn Fragoso and Joseph Ito
Advisor: Conner Brown<\/p>\n
Los Alamitos High School
Filmmakers: Leonard Rosa, Aiden Shellhammer, Sebastian Martinez, Ashlynn Fragoso
Advisor: Conner Brown<\/p>\n
Los Alamitos High School
Filmmakers: Sebastian Martinez, Christopher Blocher, Leonard Rosa
Advisor: Conner Brown<\/p>\n
Warner Middle School
Filmmakers: Kayla Bui, Sofi Dam, Izabella Dang, Ella Nguyen, Uyen Pham, Lam Tran, Jayden Truong, Tinh Nhu Tran
Advisor: Kurt Reisig<\/p>\n
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Kate Wissink and Isla W.
Advisor: Mark Switzer<\/p>\n
El Dorado High School
Filmmakers: Angela Hendrix, Rita Cirata, Viveka Mayo
Advisor: Mark Switzer<\/p>\n
Los Alamitos High School
Filmmakers: Sean Massoumi, Reef Settlemire, Jesse Berry, Ryan Quinn
Advisor: Conner Brown<\/p>\n
Los Alamitos High School
Filmmakers: Natalia Sandoval Velazquez, Joseph Ito, Audrey Romo, Davis Taylor, Ashlynn Fragoso
Advisor: Conner Brown<\/p>\n