Taylor’s student snags 1st Place in Mental Health Short Film competition

A Taylor's student won first place in a mental health short film competition held by KPJ University College’s psychology department.

Janak Teckwani, a 22-year-old student in his third year of the Psychology degree, expressed his passion and drive regarding the topic of mental health in a riveting short film.

(Caption : The terms and conditions of the competition.)

The short film competition was open to the public, and several mental health topics were provided as options for aspiring filmmakers.

The film titled ‘Second Chance’ centres around the protagonist Jay, and the tumultuous thoughts that plague his mind as well as cause him to contemplate various scenarios….that eventually lead him to one climactic moment.

The core message of the film is to educate people on the possibilities that sometimes, things can become a little too much to handle and overwhelm them to the point of harming themselves.

“It doesn't take much to check on the people we love and surround ourselves with. This is something everyone should do,” says Janak, the passionate filmmaker.

(Caption : The thumbnail of the film.)

Furthermore, the film highlights how people are sometimes regretful of the decisions made, but that ultimately those decisions shape us and turn us into who we are today.

“How you live with it depends on your ability to comprehend life and withstand the challenges that come your way,” Janak adds.

As an individual who takes mental health very seriously, he wanted to show people that there are unpredictable scenarios that stem from mental health issues.

“Although this film had a dramatic take, it is not unsurprising to see people make decisions such as this when being mentally pressured,” he says.

Janak believes that mental health is a vital topic, and that sweeping things under the rug in order to think positively actually causes more harm compared to simply admitting the feelings being experienced.

“Everyone has unique experiences and none of them should be invalidated. Society is opening up gradually and this is a good step for the well-being of the individuals who generally have mental health issues.”

This short film, and so many more like it, are most definitely of utter importance to today’s society due to the stigmatisation and lack of awareness concerning mental health.

“If anyone is struggling with mental health issues, it is best to seek help before those same thoughts harm you and the people you love,” Janak advises.

“It can be difficult to accept that there is an issue in the first place, but once you are open to change, every step that comes after will be beneficial for the healing process.”