In June this year ReachOut.com launched our first national film competition. The challenge set out by ReachOut.com was to create a short film or animation, which explores youth mental health in a positive light. The films had to promote constructive attitudes and challenge stereotypes around mental health issues.  Most importantly the films needed to  demonstrate how young people can get through tough times.

Young people are at the centre of everything we do
As young people are at the centre of everything ReachOut.com does it is important for us to empower young people to create content that is relevant to them.  In this way ReachOut.com ensures our content is accessible and engaging for all young people in Ireland and young people continue to feel a sense of ownership of ReachOutcom, the ReachOut.com community and their own mental health.

The judges
There was a great response from young people and we received 21 applications of which 11 were invited to proceed to production.

The entrants were required to submit a brief for their  proposed video, including a storyboard of scenes. The briefs were then reviewed by the expert  judging panel consisting of Rupert Morris from Cawley Nea, Ciaran Walsh from Le Cool, Gar O’Brien from Galway film fleadh, and Max Halley Independent Animator & ReachOut.com Advisory Network member.

Awards night
The successful submissions were invited to produce their video project and the overall winner will be announced at our film awards on Tuesday the 25th of October at the exclusive Denzille Cinema, Denzille Lane, in Dublin.

The prizes
One lucky filmmaker  has the chance to win €2,000 and internship with leading Irish Ad Agency Cawley-Nea. The runner-up will receive €1,000 and the second runner-up will win €500.  All of the videos will be featured on ReachOut.com in the coming weeks but stay tuned for the winning video next week.

Special thanks
ReachOut.com would like to thank all of our judges for their time donated and their professionalism.