11 years of creatively spreading awareness of mental health
Entrants to Frame of Mind 2025 used short film to express the things they are grateful for and to creatively showcase the things that have a positive impact on their wellbeing. The panel shortlisted entries from nine counties across Ireland.
Our panel of judges included 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.
Frame of Mind 2025 winners and runners-up
Short Film secondary schools’ general category
Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School in Dublin 18 were announced as the winners in the secondary school category for their entry Lighter Than Air. The entry was described as “A truly original and inventive approach to storytelling-beautifully capturing emotion throughout” by the judges.
The students that created the film explained that “The film depicts a young girl with balloons attached to her, that represent her problems or negative thoughts and feelings. She tries to hide them and/or get rid of them throughout the film and realises she can't. When she stops trying to get rid of the balloons and plays with her gerbil and accepts a cupcake from her mum, some of the issues float away and she accepts that some things can stay with you a little longer than others, whilst being grateful for supports in her life that help alleviate some of her stressors.”
Students in Bunclody Community College, County Wexford were the runners-up in the secondary school category for their entry Grateful.
The second runners-up were announced as Coláiste Dún an Rí, County Cavan for their film Never Feel Lonely with My Guitar.
Short Film category (includes Youthreach and FET)
Enniscorthy Youthreach, County Wexford were chosen by the judges to the winners for their submission Driven by Gratitude. The judges said the short film was “A truly original concept, elevated by sharp storytelling and imaginative camera work!”.
The winners commented that “The theme of gratitude shines through as the main character, Saoirse takes part in a go-karting race. Having recovered from cancer, she views the race as a way that she can show her resilience and give back to the charity that helped her, the Irish Cancer Society. They are all filled with gratitude for her health, her strength and the people who stood by her.”
The runners-up were Dundalk Youthreach, County Louth for their film Gratitude Journal and Banagher Further Education and Training Centre, County Offaly for their entry A Cycle of Kindness.
Creatively engaging in mental health promotion
Michael Doherty, Movies Editor with the RTÉ Guide and a member of our judging panel 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.”
“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.”
Continue to…
Frame of Mind Archive