Contests
Student Filmmakers Create Anti-Stigma Public Service Announcements (PSA's)
The Council invited high school and undergraduate students presently attending and enrolled at New Jersey high schools, colleges and universities to showcase their talen by submitting a PSA for the New Jersey Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma. NAMI NJ sponsored the prizes for winning submissions.
The responses were extraordinary - clear, compelling, thought-provoking and well executed, and so choosing winners was an extremely difficult task. There were, however, four entries that stood out. The winnders and runners-up were as follows:
The Council invited high school and undergraduate students presently attending and enrolled at New Jersey high schools, colleges and universities to showcase their talen by submitting a PSA for the New Jersey Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma. NAMI NJ sponsored the prizes for winning submissions.
The responses were extraordinary - clear, compelling, thought-provoking and well executed, and so choosing winners was an extremely difficult task. There were, however, four entries that stood out. The winnders and runners-up were as follows:
1st Place
Howell High School
Students: Christina Pringle, Lauren Chapman, Tina Albano and MaryKate Durnin
Educator: Stan Koba
Students: Christina Pringle, Lauren Chapman, Tina Albano and MaryKate Durnin
Educator: Stan Koba
Runners Up
Glen Rock High School
Student: Zack Ranieri
Educator: Phyllis Sneyers
Middletown High School South
Students: Steven Tufaro, Brian Lewis, Ryan Lee, Julie Matsen
Educator: Alan Resnick
Rider University
Student: Carly Totten
Professor: Kelly Statmore
Steven Spielberg said, "Every time I go to a movie, it's magic, no matter what the movie's about", and this contest certainly created magic. In its effort to raise awareness and change perceptions that fuel stigma, the Council has been continually inspired by youth. In talking about mental health and the related stigma, the Council has gained incredible insight from youth. This contest provided yet another medium to enrich our mission.
In addition to the Council, we were fortunate enough to have the following guest judges to participate:
Voices and Visions Productions, an acclaimed international documentary film company whose awards include a TELLY for their work on a documentary for MHA of Essex County - http://www.voicesandvisions.com
Omusha Communications, the acclaimed filmmakers whose work include two award winning documentaries for NAMI NJ entitled "Documenting our Presence - A Multi-Cultural Journey Through Mental Illness" and "The Community We Serve" - http://www.omusha.com
Joseph Greco, writer/director/producer of the award winning film CANVAS, starring Joe Pantoliano and Marcia Gay Harden. The film beautifully realized Mr. Greco's experience growing up with a mother who had schizophrenia - http://www.canvasthefilm.com. Here is an excerpt from a quote Mr. Greco offered to the young winning filmmakers:
The Council has shown the PSA's at presentations and meeting throughout the State and the response has been extraordinary. We are working on having the films broadcast.
Student: Zack Ranieri
Educator: Phyllis Sneyers
Middletown High School South
Students: Steven Tufaro, Brian Lewis, Ryan Lee, Julie Matsen
Educator: Alan Resnick
Rider University
Student: Carly Totten
Professor: Kelly Statmore
Steven Spielberg said, "Every time I go to a movie, it's magic, no matter what the movie's about", and this contest certainly created magic. In its effort to raise awareness and change perceptions that fuel stigma, the Council has been continually inspired by youth. In talking about mental health and the related stigma, the Council has gained incredible insight from youth. This contest provided yet another medium to enrich our mission.
In addition to the Council, we were fortunate enough to have the following guest judges to participate:
Voices and Visions Productions, an acclaimed international documentary film company whose awards include a TELLY for their work on a documentary for MHA of Essex County - http://www.voicesandvisions.com
Omusha Communications, the acclaimed filmmakers whose work include two award winning documentaries for NAMI NJ entitled "Documenting our Presence - A Multi-Cultural Journey Through Mental Illness" and "The Community We Serve" - http://www.omusha.com
Joseph Greco, writer/director/producer of the award winning film CANVAS, starring Joe Pantoliano and Marcia Gay Harden. The film beautifully realized Mr. Greco's experience growing up with a mother who had schizophrenia - http://www.canvasthefilm.com. Here is an excerpt from a quote Mr. Greco offered to the young winning filmmakers:
"Congratulations to all of you. In today's world, where there is so much anxiety, poverty, war, tragedy and inequality, it is imperative that all of us do whatever we can to spread hope, understanding and peace. This is why the PSA's you created are so important. All of your voices are important and every voice is a ripple in the pond, no matter what you do on a daily basis". |
The Council has shown the PSA's at presentations and meeting throughout the State and the response has been extraordinary. We are working on having the films broadcast.
