The youth participated in free four-week workshops that taught acting, cinematography, editing, and writing. Professional filmmakers and artists hosted the workshops.
After completing the workshops, the youth created a five-to-seven-minute movie telling their stories using the theme “Being a Teen in Detroit.”
The Detroit Youth Film Festival showcased two films created by the teens and another film that featured workshop participants under the age of 10. One of the organizers, Lucal Del Castillo, also filmed a behind-the-scenes movie of the process.
Students dressed in their best clothes for the film festival, which premiered the movies, and included a red-carpet entrance. The films were shown again the next day during the Bridge’s worship service.
The festival and workshops were held at the Don Bosco Community Resource Center, another of the sponsors. The ministry Women in Touch also sponsored the project.