The Representation Project seeks committed and enthusiastic high school and early college students (Freshmen or Sophomores) for our FREE Next Gen Filmmaker Academy (for Summer 2022). Selected filmmakers will work in pairs of 2-3, under the guidance of an expert filmmaking instructor from The Rep Project. Participants who attend in person, actively participate, and complete the Next Gen Filmmaker Academy may receive a stipend of up to $500. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Moshman at The Rep Project at sarah@therepproject.org.
More information and application HERE.
Our Next Gen Filmmaking Academy (NFA) is a free intensive summer film program training the next generation of social justice filmmakers worldwide to tell their stories and help push for positive social change. Inspired by the trailblazing work of our founder Jennifer Siebel Newsom and led by professional filmmakers, students in the NFA learn technical and practical aspects of filmmaking – from concept to storyboarding, filming, editing, and other elements of production. Students also learn about social justice issues, community engagement, political activism, and social-emotional learning.
Now celebrating three years of empowering, creating, and inspiring through the Next Gen Filmmaking Academy, films produced through the NFA have been featured in over 200 film festivals worldwide, including the Bright Ideas Film Festival, SXSW, Los Angeles Student Film Festival, New York World Film Festival, and the All American High School Film Festival. Watch our student films HERE. Meet our Instructors HERE.
The 2021 Youth Media Academy was offered primarily online with two in-person YMA groups, including our first international YMA with 15 students from Anahuacalmecac International Baccalaureate World School in Cuentepec, Mexico. Watch our 2021 Youth Media Academy students learn, develop, and inspire from 22 states and 6 countries to create incredible documentary short films!
Watch our 2021 Student films HERE.
Due to the COVID19 pandemic, the 2020 YMA was moved to a completely virtual format. While this shift to virtual instruction was unexpected, the change enabled the YMA to expand access to young filmmakers across the United States, including 66 students from 12 different states. Students in the 2020 cohort, undeterred by challenges posed by the pandemic, created deeply thoughtful films examining topics such as disability, gentrification, the concept of the Model Minority, and life during the pandemic. For more information about the impact of the 2020 program, please see our 2020 Youth Media Academy Impact Report.
In the summer of 2019, The Representation Project launched the Youth Media Academy in a pilot program in Oakland, California, with 12 girls aged 14-17. In this month-long intensive program, participants learned how to make a short film and learned about social justice issues, community engagement, and political activism. Films created by students in the 2019 YMA have gone on to win numerous awards, including Best Student Documentary Short Award at Skiptown Film Festival, Rising Star Award at Reel Girls Film Festival, and Best Documentary at SLO Film Festival. For more information about the impact of the 2019 program, please see our 2019 Youth Media Academy Impact Report.