AFMX MARCUS & MIRIAM RAY INTERCULTURAL YOUNG ADULT 16-22 FILMMAKING INITIATIVE

FILMS THAT REFLECT YOU! CURRICULUM

Through hands-on experiences of all aspects of film production; life skill lessons for personal and planetary harmonious living; exploring local and global intercultural traditions that deepen the understanding of the connectedness of all life forms; field trips for unique experiences; and ongoing individual and collective storytelling projects; each participant will have the necessary tools to create a final short film of significance.

The majority of the sessions are facilitated by the artist in-residence, Karen Jones Meadows, however, an essential component of the curriculum includes guest experts leading workshops representing all areas of independent and commercial film production; literary arts; visual arts; community activism; holistic living techniques; and other specialized professionals across a broad-spectrum of topics and lifestyles. Intentionally, workshop guests range in age from peers to elders.

The goal is for participants to garner new information and explore an abundance of themes for individual knowledge and wisdom, as well as engaging in exchanges of ideas within the cohort and beyond that supports ongoing curiosity and unencumbered creativity. Ideally, participants will form a lasting community and learn to successfully collaborate and support each other’s creativity and empowerment in expansive ways.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAY

We always find a way to encourage ourselves and support each other, making sure everyone feels at home. We engage with our minds and bodies to fuel our creativity, instead of limiting ourselves to strict deadlines and rules that a normal class bind to. I’ve seen the difference in just a couple weeks of being here, to two years of a regular film class. Frances E.

 I’ve really enjoyed the youth initiative because I’ve gotten to collaborate with other young artists, and improve not only my acting skills, but my storytelling and character building skills through the exercises we have done.  Hunter B.

I’ve never taken any other film class, but compared to other drama classes/art classes I’ve really enjoyed the people and group we have so far. They’re all great to talk to. And I like how you are starting off with exercises that show us how to be creative and think, rather than just straight off the bat showing us technicalities! Auni F.

We actually get to be creative, we take a descriptive look at things that inspire our creativity so we can explore even further.  Noah G.

We are making meaningful connections with each other as a group, and are developing a sense of identity and purpose that we intend to carry with us into our work and creative processes.  Rowen C.

SOME OF OUR GUEST PRESENTERS