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2 Film formats | All Stories of Hope
In frightening and uncertain times, it's hard to feel hopeful. Having hope for the future helps build resilience and gives us the ability to get through tough times and recover from setbacks. Hope helps us reduce anxiety, trauma, depression and more.
Z-Cares is honored to share the strength and resilience of our youth, demonstrating that hope is within reach through our Stories of Hope Collection. Explore 'Look at Me Now: Stories of Hope,' a compelling full-length documentary, and 'Stories of Hope: Shorts,' a collection of inspirational short films and discussion series, both of which revolve around the theme of discovering hope.
'Look at Me Now: Stories of Hope'
In this captivating independent documentary, we accompany four young individuals on their journeys through mental health struggles, witnessing their transformation from despair to the discovery of hope. We are privileged to share their stories and underscore the enduring presence of hope.
'Stories of Hope: Shorts':
This inspirational series comprised of short stories and candid conversations with real young people who have successfully found their pathways to hope despite the emotional challenges they encountered." Each story is accompanied by by a guided discussion to help start your conversation.
Contact us at films@zcares.org for questions about screening and availability
Look at me now: Stories of Hope
Look at me now: Stories of Hope
Look at me now: Stories of Hope
Look at me now: Stories of Hope
Feature length independent documentary
The inspiration behind Look at me now: Stories of Hope came from a quiet walk around a local park during the pandemic quarantine. We reflected how media seemed to paint a hopeless narrative of our future. As we talked about the hopelessness, we asked ourselves, how can we show the story doesn't need to go this way? We found ourselves reflecting on inspiring people we met on our Z-Cares journey and how they filled us with hope. What if we shared these hopeful stories with the world? From that walk, we were inspired to create Look at me now: Stories of Hope.
Z-Cares is humbled to feature four inspiring young individuals who share their raw journeys towards hope. In our film, we follow their struggles with mental health, see them change their journey from a sense of despair to find their pathway to hope.
This film is their story.
Each unique story shows hope is possible. While each story is unique, they all shared a powerful commonality. Talking about their struggles put them on their path to hope. We hope you will be inspired by these strong individuals and realize you can do it too!
Look at me Now: Stories of Hope
Stories of Hope: Shorts
Our Short Stories
Stories of Hope: SHORTS is an inspirational short story and conversation series. These short stories feature real youth sharing real stories of how they found their pathway to hope despite their struggles. These stories include a short glimpse into their inspiring story. Each story concludes with a youth guided discussion allowing audiences to talk about it.
Having a conversation about mental health is hard, but with every conversation, we address stigma, break down barriers and help those closest to us when they need it most. Each short story can be viewed in less than 30 minutes. Stories of Hope: SHORTS are designed to start those conversations.
Stories of Hope: Shorts
Now available FREE at CalHOPE Schools
View the Episode Guide
View the Trailer
To Register for FREE:
- Click the registration link below to access the CalHOPE schools site
- Click 'Register' at the top of the CalHOPE Schools site screen
- Follow the instructions to register
- You will receive an access code from CalHOPE
- Use Access code to access Stories of Hope: SHORTS and other free resources
- Save your access code to future use
**Contact us at films@zcares.org for alternatives outside of CA
Stories of Hope Shorts - Episode Guide
Available at CalHOPE Schools
Available at CalHOPE Schools
Available at CalHOPE Schools
Free Access
All episodes of the Stories of Hope: Shorts series are available on the CalHOPE Schools site.
- Scan QR Code above
- Register for Free
- Receive access code
- Use Access code to see stories
- Keep Access Code for future visits
Episode 1: Noor's Story
Available at CalHOPE Schools
Available at CalHOPE Schools
"The Hero of my own story"
In this story, we hear how she overcame stigma and found courage to talk about her mental health
Story: 7 Minutes
Discussion: 17 Minutes
Discussion Topics:
Getting Started: 8m 25s
Talking about it: 10m*
Preventing a crisis: 11m 32s*
Stigma: 14m 25s
Coping 16m 36s*
Hope: 19m 07s*
*Includes expert video clip
Episode 2: Sruthi's Story
Available at CalHOPE Schools
Episode 2: Sruthi's Story
"Unique and Powerful"
In this story, how she dealt with leaning challenges and anxiety and found hope in her own way
Story: 7 Minutes
Discussion: 14 Minutes
Discussion Topics:
Getting Started: 7m 43s
Helping a Friend: 10m 05s
Triggers: 13m 06s
Coping: 15m 01s*
Hope: 17m 51s*
*Includes expert video clip
Episode 3: Brett's Story
Episode 3: Brett's Story
Episode 2: Sruthi's Story
"A Second Change at Life"
In this story, we hear how he found hope in the midst of trauma
Story: 7 Minutes
Discussion: 19 Minutes
Discussion Topics:
Getting Started: 8m 29s
PTSD: 10m 04s**
Validation of Feelings: 13m 44s**
Preventing a crisis: 16m 30s*
Coping 21m 13s
*Includes expert video clip
**Includes youth discussion modeling
Episode 4: Josie's Story
Episode 3: Brett's Story
Episode 4: Josie's Story
"The only number that mattered was the scale"
In this story, we hear how she dealt with eating issues and found hope through the support of friends
Story: 7 Minutes
Discussion: 22 Minutes
Discussion Topics:
Getting Started: 7m 38s
Eating Disorders: 9m 16s**
Helping a Friend: 15m 56s**
Coping 21m 29s*
Hope: 23m 54s*
*Includes expert video clip
**Includes youth discussion modeling
Episode 5: Alexa's Story
Episode 3: Brett's Story
Episode 4: Josie's Story
"Believing in Myself"
In this story we hear how she dealt with struggles of depression and found her inner strength to hope
Story: 9 Minutes
Discussion: 22 Minutes
Discussion Topics:
Getting Started: 10m 07s
Depression: 10m 37s**
Helping a Friend: 17m 11s**
Coping 23m 44s**
Hope: 26m 59s*
*Includes expert video clip
**Includes youth discussion modeling
Episode 6: Ashmita's Story
Episode 7: Mentors providing hope
Episode 7: Mentors providing hope
"Finding your pathways to hope: Strategies from a youth mental health advocate"
In this story, learn the strength of supporting others through their struggles
Story: 7 Minutes
Discussion: 22 Minutes
Discussion Topics:
Getting Started: 7m 09s
Talking to Someone: 7m 51s*
Stigma: 12m 32s**
Coping and Self Care: 18m 34s*
Hope 25m 03s*
*Includes expert video clip
**Includes youth discussion modeling
Episode 7: Mentors providing hope
Episode 7: Mentors providing hope
Episode 7: Mentors providing hope
"Ripple Effect of mentorship"
In this story we hear from Architects of Hope Inc. a Sacramento based mentorship program who share the positive ripple effect of mentoring. Hear how mentees become mentors and continue to pay hope forward.
Story: 15m 30s
Discussion: 11m 36s
Discussion Topics:
Non-Professional Help: 16m 13s*
Hope: 21m 31s*
*Includes expert video clip & youth discussion modeling