Brockton High School Students Release Original Films Exploring Mental Wellness and Leadership
Twenty-three student creators present cinematic takes on boundaries, bias, and leadership; works selected to advance to the SALT 12 National Film Festival.
/PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Brockton High School organized the Festival de cine 2026 de Brockton High Schoola community celebration of student voice and mental well-being. Hosted by the non-profit organization SALT ED Inc.the event premiered five original short films created by 23 students participating in the “Reel Funny” program.
Joonho Lee, CEO of Kbean®, awards prizes and shares congratulatory comments with student creators.
Unlike traditional movie programs, Reel Funny uses media production as a vehicle for personal growth rather than just technical instruction. The program guides students through a series of workshops focused on “soft skills,” such as resolving conflict, recognizing internal biases, and setting healthy personal boundaries. Students are then challenged to apply these lessons by collaborating in groups to write, produce, and edit their own films completely independently.
A unique and critical component of the Reel Funny process is its integration of professional mental health supervision. After the presentations of the students’ films, Eun Joo You, a Care Plus New Jersey Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)carried out a specialized screening of the works. This clinical review serves to assess students’ mental well-being and identify early signs of emotional distress, followed by direct engagement with students to discuss their creative themes and overall well-being.
“The opportunity for our students to participate in this type of work is paramount to their development as well-rounded individuals,” he stated. Kevin McCaskill, director de Brockton High School. “When we talk about preparing the next generation of leaders, we’re not just talking about academics; we’re also talking about the emotional intelligence and self-awareness that shows like ‘Reel Funny’ offer. These films are a powerful reflection of their growth.”
The celebration invited friends, families and members of the local community to recognize the leadership and vulnerability displayed by these young creators.
“This program allows students to turn self-reflection into a leadership tool,” he said. Joonho Lee, CEO of Kbean®one of the main promoters of the initiative. “By giving students the autonomy to produce these films according to their own beliefs, we see a level of authenticity that is often lost with traditional education.”
Looking ahead: the SALT 12 National Showcase,
The Brockton High School festival serves as a qualifying event for the third annual SALT 12 film festival scheduled for late 2026. SALT 12 is a national platform that brings together the most impactful student films from across the country, allowing participants to share their voices with a public audience and compete for national recognition.
For more information about SALT ED Inc., the Reel Funny curriculum, or the upcoming SALT 12 National Showcase, visit www.salt-ed.org.
About SALT ED Inc.
SALT ED Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged youth through media production, workforce development, and mental wellness initiatives. Its signature “Reel Funny” program helps students develop the emotional intelligence and leadership skills necessary to succeed as next-generation leaders.
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SOURCE Kbean
