Young Louth filmmaker shines a spotlight on mental health

Grace Donnelly from Dundalk Youthreach in County Louth was awarded a prize at a special screening in St Patrick’s Mental Health Services as Walk in My Shoes crowned the winners of its Frame of Mind short film competition.

Held annually, Frame of Mind is an initiative of Walk in My Shoes, the flagship awareness-raising campaign of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, that uses the mediums of short film and photography to help to promote positive mental health and reduce stigma around mental health difficulties.

This year, participants were asked to explore a theme of gratitude. Those taking part used short film to express the things they are grateful for and creatively showcase the things that positively influence their wellbeing.

Students from nine counties across Ireland were shortlisted in this year’s competition, which was open to secondary schools, special education schools, Youthreach centres and Further Education and Training (FET) centres. The winning entries are:

Short Film secondary schools’ general category:

Winner - Lighter Than Air Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School, Leopardstown, Dublin 18  

Runners up

• Grateful by Bunclody Community College, Bunclody, County Wexford 
• Never Feel Lonely with My Guitar Coláiste Dún an Rí, Kingscourt, County Cavan  

Short Film category (includes Youthreach and Further Education and Training):

Winner - Driven by GratitudeEnniscorthy Youthreach, Enniscorthy, County Wexford

Runners up

• Gratitude JournalDundalk Youthreach, Dundalk, County Louth
• A Cycle of KindnessBanagher Further Education and Training Centre, Banagher, County Offaly

Speaking about this key initiative from Walk in My Shoes, Michael Doherty, competition judge and Movies Editor with the RTÉ Guide said: “I am delighted to once again be part of the judging panel for the Frame of Mind competition. Year-on-year, these young filmmakers use creative expression to showcase not only their talent in filmmaking, but in exploring the theme of mental health and gratitude.

Read also: Dundalk people encouraged to sign up for Darkness Into Light Walk

"This competition is an opportunity for students and young people to engage in positive conversations around mental health and in turn reduce stigma amongst their peers. Congratulations to each and every one of the entrants in this year’s competition for their outstanding contributions.”

The winning films were selected by a panel of expert judges comprising Michael Doherty from the RTÉ Guide; Tom Maher, Director of Services at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services; Eibh Collins, Shorts Programmer for the Galway Film Fleadh and Film and TV Manager at the National Talent Academies; and actor and filmmaker John Connors.

Entries were marked on their adherence to the brief and theme, artistic and technical merit and overall experience of the short film. First-place entrants in each category won a €1,000 cash prize for their school or education centre while runners-up received €500.

A playlist of all shortlisted and winning films will be available to view on Walk in My Shoes’ YouTube channel.