Students and learners awarded for their creative efforts in advocating positive mental health in their schools and communities.
Students and learners from Dublin and Wexford were announced as our Frame of Mind 2025 competition winners.
Held annually, Frame of Mind 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.
Our 2025 Frame of Mind winners
Students representing 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.
Students, learners, teachers, parents and our Frame of Mind judges gathered at St Patrick’s University Hospital where the winners and runners up were announced and celebrated at a special screening and awards ceremony.
Short Film secondary schools’ general category
Winners
Lighter Than Air | Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School, Dublin 18
The makers of this 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.”
The judges commented that this entry was “A truly original and inventive approach to storytelling—beautifully capturing emotion throughout”.
Runners-up
- Grateful | Bunclody Community College, County Wexford
The filmmaker said “The short film is an ode to all of the things in life the class group is grateful for. It is about appreciating all of the good things in life we sometimes take for granted, encouraging positive mental health.”
One of our judges commented that “This was such a joyous film—it made me smile. The enthusiasm from the group was contagious!”
Watch Grateful here.
- Never Feel Lonely with My Guitar | Coláiste Dún an Rí, County Cavan
In their entry, the school commented that “When you come home and feel overwhelmed with no way to relieve it, you realise there is always one thing you can rely on…Your Guitar.”
“This was simple and emotive. It's so hard to create such a touching song and deliver it so beautifully”, remarked one of our judges.
Watch Never Feel Lonely with My Guitar here.
Short Film category (includes Youthreach and FET)
Winner
Driven by Gratitude | Enniscorthy Youthreach, County Wexford
The entrants 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.”
Our judges noted that this entry was “A truly original concept, elevated by sharp storytelling and imaginative camera work!”.
Runners-up
- Gratitude Journal |Dundalk Youthreach, County Louth
The creators explained the short film “shows how young people can be grateful for help and guide each other”.
Our judges remarked there were “great creative choices paired with simple, yet effective storytelling”.
- A Cycle of Kindness | Banagher Further Education and Training Centre, County Offaly
The entrants commented that “Our Centre is more than just a place. It’s a community, a family, a space where we all feel valued and equal. Every day, we experience kindness, support, and a sense of belonging. It strengthens our mental wellbeing and reminds us how important it is to feel appreciated. This film is our way of saying thank you – for the friendships, the opportunities, and the moments that uplift us. Because sometimes, a simple ‘thank you’ is all it takes to make someone feel truly valued.”
Our panel of judges noted that “This was a very thoughtful narrative—clear, concise, and clever—with a truly excellent cast.”
Judging panel and prizes
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.
First-place winners in each category won a €1,000 cash prize for their school or education centre, while runners-up received €500, while all shortlisted schools received a certificate of achievement to celebrate their creative efforts.
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.”
“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.”
"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"
