Recognition for Banagher students' mental health film at awards event

The filmmaking skills of students from Banagher Further Education and Training Centre in Offaly were recognised recently when they were named as runners up in a mental health-themed competition at the Irish Film Institute.

'Me' was the name of the film made by the Banagher students, which was a runner up in a short film category at the 'Frame of Mind' competition held in partnership with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.

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, which uses the mediums of short film and photography to help to promote positive mental health and reduce stigma around mental health difficulties

Some 81 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.

The Banagher students' entry was a runner up in the short film category for Youthreach and FET-specific learners, with 'Saving Sadie' by Youthreach Ballinrobe named as the category winner.

Another entry from the Midlands - 'Happiness is the most important thing' by students from Our Lady's Bower in Athlone - was named as the winner in the TikTok category at the competition.

You can watch the Banagher students' entry here:

The winning films were selected by a panel of expert judges comprising Éibh Collins, Shorts Programmer for the Galway Film Fleadh and Film and TV Manager at the National Talent Academies; Michael Doherty, Movies Editor from the RTÉ Guide and Tom Maher, Director of Services at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services.

First-place entrants in each category won a €1,000 cash prize for their school or education centre, while runners-up received €500.

Paul Gilligan, CEO of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, praised the quality of the entries submitted for the 'Frame of Mind' competition this year.

"As always, the entries to this year's competition were of extremely high calibre and highlight the incredible talent, tenacity, and vital role that young people can play in inspiring conversations about mental health."