By Julie Slama | [email protected]

It was a chance for secondary school filmmakers to share their stories through original films in Salt Lake County Health Department’s fourth annual film festival — and Amber Parker and Abigail Slama-Catron of Hillcrest High took advantage of it.

The two won third place in the audience choice with their film, “5 things you can do to help your health.”

The winners were announced April 28 during a virtual screening. More than 40 entries were submitted.

“That was the most we have ever had,” said Julia Glade, Salt Lake County health educator and healthy communities coordinator. “The public can go to the Salt Lake County Health Department YouTube channel and view them.”

The theme of resilience was new this year after previously focusing on the dangers of youth e-cigarette use. Glade said it came about from listening to the youth.

“We value the youth voice, especially when it comes to learning how public health topics have an impact on them and their community,” she said. “The film festival is a terrific opportunity to motivate teens to continue engaging in these important conversations about their physical, mental and social health, especially after the last two years they’ve endured during the pandemic.”

Other winners include first place upper division Anna Liu of Skyline High School with the film, “My Resilience Kit;” second-place upper division, Rebecca Lontop, Taylorsville High School, “Off;” and third-place upper division, Jesus Solano Cano, Taylorsville High, “Amigo Feliz.” First place in the lower division was Angel Jimenez, Glendale Middle, for “Social Emotional Health Solutions.”

Other audience choice winners include first-place Annie Pasmann, Highland High, “Be the Reason;” and second place went to Liu.

Honorable mentions go to Silvana Moya Gonzalez, Taylorsville High, “Descansa;” Jaquelyn Correa, Taylorsville High, “Breather;” and Ashley C. Flores Reina, Taylorsville High, “Tengo Hambre.”

All winners received a teen health swag bag.