A group of talented students from Bunclody Community College have made their school and community proud after securing the 1st runner-up prize in the highly regarded Walk in My Shoes, Frame of Mind Short Film Competition, under the secondary school category.
The award-winning team includes 3rd year students Geovana Pereira, Sarah Jane Kenny, Noah Kearns, Katie McNamara, MJ Byrne, Joao Marcos Ferreira, Nadine Farrell, Cathal Tobin, Danny Brennen, Josh Kilbride, and Christopher da Silva. Their short film, created as part of an initiative to raise awareness about mental health under the theme of Gratitude among young people, impressed the judges with its creativity, empathy, technical quality and simple but powerful message.
To view the prize winning film just click here Grateful by Bunclody Community College
The competition, run by Walk in My Shoes, is part of a national mental health awareness campaign established by St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services. Since its launch in 2014, the Frame of Mind Short Film Competition has become a significant platform for secondary and third-level students to express their thoughts and experiences surrounding mental health. Each year, young filmmakers are challenged to produce a two-minute short film that explores themes such as emotional well-being, mental health stigma, and the importance of speaking out.
With hundreds of entries submitted from schools and colleges across Ireland, the competition is known for its high standard of storytelling and its role in sparking important conversations around mental health. Winning or placing in the competition is considered a major achievement and reflects not only technical skill but a deep understanding of mental health issues faced by young people today.
The Bunclody students’ film stood out for its compelling narrative, authentic performances, and its heartfelt message about the power of empathy and support. The recognition is a testament to the students' creativity, teamwork, and passion for mental health advocacy.
Speaking about the achievement, a teacher from Bunclody Community College praised the group:
“This is a remarkable accomplishment, and we are beyond proud of our students. They tackled an important subject with maturity and creativity. Their film sends a positive message that truly resonates.”
The success has sparked excitement throughout the school and wider community, with many commending the students for their courage in addressing such a vital topic.
Congratulations to the Bunclody Community College team on this well-deserved national recognition!