Art With Impact

San Francisco, CA, February 1, 2017 (Newswire.com) - Art With Impact (AWI) is excited to congratulate Roberto Morelia for the film 'Mental Health Does Not Define Me' which became the latest addition to AWI's OLIVE Film Collection.

The short film follows Olivia De Paul, a student attending California State University San Marcos who manages mental health issues like stress and anxiety. This only a small part of her story, as she shares the importance of reaching out for help and the insight she has today about her experience.

It was our vision that this video could reach as many eyes and ears as possible in the efforts of reducing stigma and raising awareness.

Filmmaking Team, Mental Health Does Not Define Me

The film was created by six classmates (Roberto Morelia, Megan Escobar, Helena Gulbrandsen, Luis Alfredo Castañeda Saavedra, Casey Staples, and Cameron Johnson) who shared the same communications major at Cal State San Marcos. Originally beginning as a simple group assignment for a class they shared, the project was brought to the next level after solidifying a partnership with the H.O.P.E. and Wellness Center on campus.

After meeting with the staff and with a partnered organization, Active Minds, they realized just how impactful their project could truly become. From then on, the film became much more than just an assignment, but intended to raise awareness and reduce stigma for mental health- especially among students.​

Art With Impact’s monthly film competition awards one winning filmmaker a $1,000 cash prize for a film — up to five minutes in length and of any genre — that uses mental health as the point of interest. Film topics may either be interpretive of mental health, or address it directly. Winning films are added to AWI’s diverse OLIVE film collection, which is used in educational outreach programs.

Learn more about the short film competition at https://artwithimpact.org/films/submit-a-film/.

Source: Art With Impact