Youth Cinema Project (Film & Media Production)
El Monte City School District (EMCSD) has captured the imagination and creativity of students through the wonder of film. Youth Cinema Project (YCP) is a new program serving to engage students in the art of filmmaking and storytelling while empowering them to explore their creative potential and gaining valuable skills in media production. The program is currently in its pilot stage at Cherrylee, Potrero, and Wright. It invites industry professionals to schools to provide hands on film-making opportunities. Thanks to the dedication of both educators and students the program is fostering culture, innovation, and equity.
In classrooms, YCP ensures students learn technical skills that are applicable in today’s digital media era, simultaneously teaching them to communicate effectively and build strong teamworking skills.
This year’s students will create short films or Public Service Announcements with the hopes of showcasing them at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival. This program cultivates success for students and focuses on mental and academic growth. One student, Florez Flores shared, "I've always been into filmmaking, so to now participate in the process of creating a film is interesting.” Florez’s journey within YCP has been exciting and challenging, "Right now, I'm a little stuck because I don't really know exactly what I would like to focus on, but, going to the meetings is fun and cool.” Florez’s YCP classmate, Stephanie Simental, added “It’s fun to make movies and play different parts. That’s what I like about the program, you don’t just get to do one thing, you get to experience everything and find what you like the most.”
