Offaly students win prize in 'Walk in My Shoes' competition
Banagher students pick up prize in the Frame of Mind short film category
STUDENTS from Banagher Further Education and Training Centre in County Offaly were awarded a prize at a special screening in St Patrick’s Mental Health Services as Walk in My Shoes crowned the winners of its Frame of Mind short film competition.
Held annually, Frame of Mind is an initiative of Walk in My Shoes, the flagship awareness-raising campaign of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, that 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.
Students from 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.
Banagher Further Education and Training Centre received a runners up prize in the Short Film category (includes Youthreach and Further Education and Training) for their film 'A Cycle of Kindness'.
Banagher Further Education and Training Centre’s film focuses on the community and sense of belonging that is felt in their education centre.
Speaking about this key initiative from Walk in My Shoes, 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.”
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. Entries were marked on their adherence to the brief and theme, artistic and technical merit and overall experience of the short film. First-place entrants in each category won a €1,000 cash prize for their school or education centre while runners-up received €500.
A playlist of all shortlisted and winning films will be available to view on Walk in My Shoes’ YouTube channel.