Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) graduate, Dannielle O’Connell, has beaten off stiff competition to win our ReachOut.com ‘Inspire a Generation’ film competition with her moving animation, ‘Monster in the Closet’.

First step

Her short motion piece features animated monsters with the voices of three young people speaking about their fears of communicating with others. It highlights how talking about their problems was the first step in their recovery. Dannielle’s win was announced at an award ceremony in Denzille Cinema, Dublin on Tuesday, 8 November. She was presented with her prize of €2,000 and a highly sought-after internship with top ad agency Cawley Nea.

Judging panel

We launched the national film competition in June to get aspiring film makers to explore mental health in a sensitive and positive light. From 21 storyboard applications, 11 were selected to be produced for consideration of an industry judging panel comprising Rupert Morris from Cawley Nea, Ciaran Walsh from Le Cool Dublin, Gar O’Brien of the Galway Film Fleadh and Max Halley, independent animator.

Runners up

First runner up was Dara McLoughlin with his film ‘Our Mental Health’, highlighting the benefits of reacting to and dealing with mental health issues in a positive manner. Second runner-up was Shane Power with ‘Unfold’, which portrays the challenges of low self-esteem that we all share, and that by conquering those moments, our lives are ours to unfold.

Highly commended

We also commended other finalists who promoted constructive attitudes and challenging stereotypes around mental health issues. The films demonstrated the ability for young people to get through tough times, which is at the center of everything we do.

View entries at www.reachout.com.