Record entries in 2025 library video contest

Participants in the 2025 library-sponsored contest were asked to create a short, compelling video using archival footage held by IU Libraries Moving Image Archive to raise awareness about the importance of mental health.  Now in its third year, the contest focuses student efforts on areas of safety awareness.  In previous years, topics have been pedestrian street safety and alcohol misuse.  

After entering in 2024, Akiode was unsure if she wanted to again enter this year's competition. A friend reminded her that she often makes 15-minute films for class, and a thirty-second video would feel easy by comparison.

However, the process took Akiode weeks of ideation, and then a week of hard work over spring break, the only free time in a busy spring semester to focus on it.  

To highlight how people go through mental health difficulties quietly, Akiode used an animation technique called rotoscoping. In this way, she used coloration to point out that people experiencing mental health challenges can be smiling, going about daily life, and experiencing ups and downs.  

“Even if you smile, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re happy,” Akiode said. “And just because you’re depressed, it doesn’t mean you’re inherently sad all the time.”

She also researched additional statistics to include in the piece.  

Akiode said that winning felt even better this year than it would have if she hadn’t entered the contest previously. She was also grateful for feedback from the 2024 judges.  

Persistence also paid off for runner-up Jack Basset, who also submitted a non-winning entry last year.

Runners-up included Support Is Here, made by Miranda Kress, a graduate student studying Speech Language Pathology (in Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences); Pace Yourself, made by Kierra Willis, a part-time graduate student in the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering; and You Are Not Alone, by Jack Basset, a graduate student in The Media School.

Akiode will receive $2,000, which she plans to put towards rent and a new camera. The three runners-up will receive $500 each, all thanks to donors who support students through contributions to IU Bloomington Libraries.

Each winning video is presented and preserved with a permanent link through IU Libraries Media Collections Online (MCO).  

“It's a good use of IU’s Marketing,” Akiode said. “I have seen last year’s winner at the library and at different schools. The message is getting across.” 

This year’s contest brought in 29 submissions from students across Indiana University, including College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, School of Education, Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering; Media School (Journalism, Media, Cinematic Arts), Kelley School of Business, O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. Of those 29, 6 students had submitted to the contest in years past.

Out of the 30 archival films (dating from 1941 - 1981) that were made available by IU Libraries Moving Image Archive, 26 different films were utilized in submitted videos.

All videos were judged by a Review Board in categories of originality, quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of raising awareness around alcohol misuse.

Thank you to members of the review board this year, including:

Caleb Allison - Assistant Archivist, IU Libraries Moving Image Archive  

Janae Cummings - Executive Director of Content Strategy, Communications and Marketing

Robin Robinson - Media School, Lecturer  

Samantha Smith - Associate Vice Provost for Health and Well-Being