Youth Filmmakers Initiative is designed to introduce young people to the art and craft of filmmaking while building an ongoing community where aspiring filmmakers can learn, create, collaborate, and grow together.

The program begins with an 8-week introductory course, meeting every Monday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the office of our corporate sponsor, Land of Sky Association of Realtors, located at 21 Restaurant Court, Asheville, NC 28805.

During the initial eight weeks, participants will be introduced to Youth Filmmakers Initiative and begin their filmmaking journey through hands-on learning and instruction in the fundamental concepts of filmmaking. Youth will explore areas such as storytelling, camera operation, filmmaking techniques, production, and the creative process behind bringing a story to life.

In addition to in-person instruction, participants will have access to online training and educational resources that will allow them to continue developing their skills outside of the weekly sessions. This training will help prepare each participant to develop an individual filmmaking project, while also providing opportunities to contribute to larger projects produced through the Youth Filmmakers Initiative.

The long-term vision of the Youth Filmmakers Initiative is to create more than an introductory filmmaking course. We aim to establish an ongoing community of young filmmakers where participants can continue learning, gain practical experience, develop their creative voices, collaborate with their peers, and participate in meaningful film projects.

By providing consistent education, mentorship, creative opportunities, and a supportive filmmaking community, the Youth Filmmakers Initiative seeks to empower young people to explore their interest in filmmaking and develop the skills and confidence needed to tell their own stories.