The Global Search for Education: Boy: A Short Film on Bullying and Mental Health

Posted By C. M. Rubin on Feb 4, 2026

This month on Planet Classroom Network YouTube channel, audiences can watch Boy, a short film curated for Planet Classroom by KIDS FIRST! Film Festival.

Boy, the debut short film by writer-director Angel Constantinou, is a dark, poetic portrait of youth mental health at a breaking point. Inspired by real experiences and created in support of youth mental health charities YoungMinds and DoItForDrayke, the film follows two boys navigating bullying, caregiving, trauma, and silence—until a mysterious inner voice begins to shift one boy’s perspective.

With sensitive performances and striking visuals, Boy confronts the emotional weight many young people carry and the systems that too often fail them. Powerful, raw, and deeply human, the film invites families, educators, and communities to recognize warning signs, reduce stigma, and help young people feel seen before it is too late.

The Global Search for Education is pleased to welcome director Angel Constantinou.

C. M. Rubin: What personal experiences or moments inspired you to tell this story, and how did you decide which emotions to place at the center of Boy?

Angel Constantinou: This is an important question. As a screenwriter, all my films have an element of me in them. Being a child carer was the experience I drew on most, and I wanted both boys to display moments of inner strength alongside their vulnerability.

C. M. Rubin: The film asks viewers to look beyond the surface of bullying and consider what pain might be driving harmful behavior. Why was that perspective important for you to include?

Angel Constantinou: Because sometimes hurt people hurt people — and sometimes change can happen and should be nurtured. I wanted audiences to reflect rather than judge, and to understand that compassion can interrupt cycles of harm.

C. M. Rubin: You made this film in partnership with youth mental health charities. What conversations or reactions from young viewers have stayed with you most since sharing Boy publicly?

Angel Constantinou: There have been many. I can’t go into detail about some young viewers’ personal mental health stories, but the ones that stay with me are stories of endurance, strength, and perseverance. Those conversations are why this film exists.

C. M. Rubin: If one young person struggling with bullying or emotional isolation watches Boy, what do you hope they take away — or feel encouraged to do next?

Angel Constantinou: I really hope they see that kindness is a superpower. Reaching out — to someone else or even starting a kinder conversation within your own mind — can always help.

Thank you Angel!