2026 Judging – Substance Use Category

2026 Substance Use Judging

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We encourage you to seek personal support if you become troubled by the content of this category. If you experience an emotional crisis, please call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7) or the California Warm Line at (833) 845-7415

Films in this category should explore the reasons behind why young people may (or may not) choose to use substances, talk about how to spot and respond to an overdose, and share healthy ways to cope with tough times and stress. The best entries won’t just talk about facts and statistics, but tell a compelling story that makes others feel and think differently about substance use, addiction, and the power of influence.

We welcome all types of submissions. In our submission criteria, we remind youth that whatever message they choose, their submissions need to be thoughtful and respectful. We asked youth to be honest about their feelings, but to be sure their entries convey that they are coming from a place of cultural humility and has the intent to further understanding and constructive dialogue about social justice and change. So, as a judge please score each of these entries based on how well they conveyed their messages and followed these guidelines.

At any point if you are experiencing technical difficulties with the website, or have questions regarding the category, please email shanti@youthcreatingchange.org or call (619) 786-5622.

In advance, we appreciate your time.

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Entry Details

Title: Just One More Day

Grade: 8

A note from the youth artist about their submission

I discovered this contest only 9 days before it was due. I filmed, edited, and found a supervisor in 5 days, and have been working on this application for the rest. Although I had a short amount of time, I did the best I possibly could to create a quality video, script, and storyline. I put in 20+ hours of work, and hope that my results show it. Additionally, I made sure the filming environment was a safe one. I told each member of my cast and crew that if they needed to they could pause and take a break, or stop filming altogether. I used first person respectful language while talking about a person who uses substances, and warned of the danger just one pill can have. Overall, the story went in depth into the parts of substance use we as family and friends don’t see. The internal battles, fears, struggles, and regrets. In summary, even though I had a short amount of time, I made a detailed and in depth video on teenage drug usage. No matter what the outcome, I am extremely proud of what I have accomplished and hope my video can help make a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Judge Name*

First Last

Messaging Scoring Measures

1. Overall, how well does the film communicate a message about substance use prevention?*

Please enter a number from 0 to 30.

The following prompts were provided to youth to help with the messaging of their film. A film does not need to respond to one of the specific prompts to score top points, as long as the film is about substance use prevention.

The Power of Influence:
The film can share a message to a friend, sibling, or even your younger self about the things you want them to think about before they make the choice to drink alcohol, vape, or use other substances.

The Truth Unfiltered:
The film can use real voices or interviews to uncover the “why” and “why not” young people choose to use substances such as alcohol, vapes, cannabis, or others.

Get the Facts, Save a Life:
The film can share information about the dangers of fentanyl, how to spot and respond to an opioid overdose, and encourage young people to look out for their friends.

Coping My Way:
The film can creatively explore what “coping my way” can look like, or what barriers might be preventing a young person from using a healthy coping strategy instead of an unhealthy one such as substance use.

How to Help A Friend:
The film can share information about the warning signs of problematic use, how to start a conversation with a friend, and supporting a friend by checking in, spending time together, and reminding them they are not alone (we asked youth to consider that substance use disorder is a health condition and simply quitting isn’t always a choice).

2. How well does the film include actions that someone can take?*

Please enter a number from 0 to 10.

Possible actions could include:

Critically thinking about choices related to substance use
Supporting a friend
Learning warning signs
Responding to an overdose
Modeling how to avoid peer pressure
Showing healthy choices
Coping strategies as alternatives to substance use

It doesn’t have to be one of the actions above, and it doesn’t have to be the focus of the film, but every film should include information about what someone can do to help themselves or help a friend, Creatively telling a story that encourages someone to reflect/think about the choice of using substances is considered an action.

3. How creatively does the film tell an educational, relatable, and hopeful story about substance use prevention?*

Please enter a number from 0 to 20.

The film should be educational and hopeful, and tell a story that explores personal experiences, emotions, choices, or inspiring messages of recovery and prevention. Instead of projects that simply say: “It’s bad for you, don’t do it”, we asked youth to dig deeper, to unfilter the truth.

4. Does the film use person-first language when talking about people who use drugs?*

The language that we use to talk about substance use is important. Stigmatizing language, whether used intentionally or unintentionally, can create a space that may be unwelcoming. Many common phrases used to talk about people who use drugs imply stigma, judgment, and shame.

5. How well does the film use respectful and supportive visuals to tell a story about substance use?*

Please enter a number from 0 to 15.

Reminder: If a film doesn’t include any visuals related to substance use, then the film would still receive full points.

Films should avoid showing real images or videos of alcohol, vape pens, pills, or other drugs. Instead, use creative visuals like metaphors, symbols, or symbolism (animations, graphics, blurred props, a red plastic cup) to get their message across.

Films shouldn’t make drugs look cool or exciting—slow-motion shots of smoke, flashy music, or dramatic close-ups can accidentally glamorize substance use. In films about overdose or fentanyl, youth were asked to focus on how a friend can recognize the warning signs and take action, not on the overdose itself.

6. How technically well-produced is the film? Consider focus, exposure, audio clarity, use of graphics and/or special effects, good pacing, flow, etc.*

Please enter a number from 0 to 10.

7. How well does the film provide a clear and effective narrative/script that is easy to understand and makes sense?*

Please enter a number from 0 to 10.

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Total

Optional – Please provide any comments or feedback you would like to share with the youth who created this project.