Safer Together

2025 Safer Together Logo

An Archival Remix Contest : Presented by IU Libraries Moving Image Archive

IU Libraries Moving Image Archive invites YOU to create a short, compelling video using archival footage to raise awareness about the importance of mental health. Through a juried competition, awarded videos will win a prize of up to $2,000! 

According to the National Alliance for Mental Health, one in five adults experience mental illness. A 2021 Indiana College Substance Use Survey found that more than a third (38.7%) of Indiana college students reported experiencing periods of sadness or feeling depressed.

Safer Together is a donor-funded contest from IU Libraries Moving Image Archive inviting all students on the Bloomington campus to create a short, compelling video using IU's archival film footage. Your goal? Help advocate for mental health. And, maybe win cash and fame for your efforts. Winning videos will be used in various IU outreach campaigns starting in Summer and Fall 2025. Looks pretty good on a resume too. 

Submit your video by March 31, 2025.

See below for full contest details. 

Archival Videos From Moving Image Archive

View and Download Videos Videos for Safer Together

Contest Submission Form

Contest Details

  • Any current full time or part time student enrolled at class(es) at IU Bloomington!
  • Videos must be submitted by a singular person. One submission is allowed per person. Group submissions will not be reviewed. 

  • Create a 30 second video aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of mental health and promoting a culture of care.
  • Videos must use portions of a minimum of two archival films related to street safety provided by IU Libraries’ Moving Image Archive. All videos for possible use can be viewed and downloaded here.
  • Videos may include newly recorded original content.

  • Videos must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST, Monday, March 31, 2025, by filling out this Submission Form. 
  • A panel of judges will review submitted videos for originality, quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness in raising awareness about mental health. First place winner will receive $2,000. Runner(s) up will receive $500.
  • The winning video(s) will be announced by Monday, May 5, 2025.
  • The winning video(s) will be used in various IU ad campaigns starting in the Fall 2025 semester.

  • The number of negative consequences resulting from untreated mental health issues can be reduced. Creating a Public Service Announcement is a way to support each other and raise awareness in our community about the importance of mental health.
  • Gain experience making a short video using archival footage – add it to your portfolio/resume!

  • Contact IU Libraries Moving Image Archive at iulmia@iu.edu with any questions!

Further Guidelines

  • Videos must be up to 30 seconds long.

  • Video must communicate the importance of mental health and wellness.

  • Submissions must include archival footage from a minimum of two archival videos provided by IU Libraries Moving Image Archive.
  • Submissions can be in any style or genre, including animation, drama, comedy, musical, narrative,or documentary. We encourage creativity!

  • Use of music in the video is optional. To avoid violating copyright law, entrants are strongly encouraged to use either an original song or royalty-free licensed music (e.g., music purchased — or downloaded for free —  from a stock music website). 

  • Contestants are responsible for securing all necessary rights, licenses, clearances, releases, consents and/or permissions from any other people who appear in the video entry. Any relevant clearances, releases, consent, or permission forms must be submitted along with the video. https://vpgc.iu.edu/forms/media-release.html

  • You represent and warrant that your entry is original.

  • You retain ownership of your video. However, by entering “IU Libraries Moving Image Archive Presents: Safer Together:  An Archival Remix Contest,” you grant to the IU worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable and transferable license to use that video (including to reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works, display and perform it) in connection with IU’s (and its successors’ and Affiliates’) business, including for the purpose of promoting “IU Libraries Moving Image Archive Presents : Safer Together:  An Archival Remix Contest.”

2023 + 2024 Safer Together Info & Results

logo reading "IU Libraries Presents Safer Together An Archival Remix Contest" and showing a black and white image of car traffic.

IU Libraries is thrilled to announce Media School undergraduate student, EVA STUART, as the FIRST PLACE WINNER of the 2023 Safer Together : An Archival Remix Contest! Eva's winning video, "Drive Safely," can be viewed here on Media Collections Online!

Two runner-up videos were also awarded! View Richard Jermain's, "Share the Road, Save a Life" and Srikar Devulapalli's, "Safer Together 2023"!

In Spring 2023, IU Libraries launched its first-ever archival remix contest with support from the IU Libraries Moving Image Archive. In response to the alarming number of bike and pedestrian accidents and deaths, participants were invited to create a short, compelling video using archival footage to raise awareness about street safety. 

All videos were judged by a Review Board in categories of originality, quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of raising awareness around street safety. As first place winner, Eva received a prize of $2,000! As runner-ups, Richard and Srikar each received a prize of $500!

IU Libraries is thrilled to announce Media School undergraduate student, AUDRA SAPP, as the FIRST PLACE WINNER of the 2024 Safer Together : An Archival Remix Contest! Audra's winning video, "In Focus: Creating a Safer Drinking Experience at IU," can be viewed here on Media Collections Online! 

Two runner-up videos were also awarded! View Wesley Kopis', "Think Before You Act: Alcohol Misuse" and Michelle Obioma's, "Play a Little Longer, Live a Little Better" ! 

In Spring 2024, IU Libraries launched its second ever archival remix contest, "Safer Together," a donor-funded contest from IU Libraries Moving Image Archive. In response to the alarming number of IUB students who reported binge drinking and consuming hard alcohol, participants were invited to create a short, compelling video using archival footage to raise awareness about alcohol misuse.

All videos were judged by a Review Board in categories of originality, quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of raising awareness around alcohol misuse. As first place winner, Audra received a prize of $2,000! As runner-ups, Wesley and Michelle each received a prize of $500!