Year 26
launching our next quarter century with exciting
new opportunities and partnerships
As we enter our 26th year, reflecting on our mission and vision, our excitement in inspiring young filmmakers remains our guiding star. Empowering kids to unleash their creativity and bring their stories to life through the art of moviemaking is a joyful endeavor. We remain committed to delivering quality programming by staying up to date with the latest technology and innovation impacting the film industry. Storytelling, like any sport or skill, is a muscle that we help our kids build and strengthen before they go out in the world. Everybody wins.
Over the summer we were introduced to The Motion Picture Technical High School (MPTHS). This is a NY State accredited high school located in Queens whose mission is closely aligned with ours. It didn’t take long to discover that our Filmmaking Lab Series class and MPTHS students would benefit from collaborating on projects which will broaden their scope of learning about film through curriculum sharing and dialogue. On Saturday, November 15, a group of MPTHS kids joined the class as our MSHFF Lab kids made their pitches for this year’s project film. (As a reminder: each year, every student gets an opportunity to pitch their creative idea for the film that the class works on, by making a formal presentation and participating in anonymous voting.) Moving ahead, the MPTHS students will be working behind the scenes with us during the actual film production.
Here’s what two MPTHS kids thought about attending the pitch:
“…the pitch session was inspiring because I got to listen to the film student’s ideas. It fills me with hope to be able to see the help given to get a story on the screen. I was so moved because the kids were so brave to be able to share their ideas and stories with complete strangers. It really builds their confidence.”
— Hilary, 10th grade
“…it was amazing to see high school students my age passionately explain the stories they’ve worked so very hard to create.”
— Zoey, 10th grade
And a current Film Lab student, Joe, Senior from Mahopac shared this from his pitch experience:
“…I have never participated in such a professional experience before. It was incredible to do this!”
These comments reinforce the impact of MSHFF’s mission as well as validate the importance of providing safe and collaborative learning environments for adolescents. Alongside the technical filmmaking skills, our students acquire emotional intelligence competencies that will benefit them regardless of what profession they choose.
Leah, far right, with our 2025-26 film students.
Expanding our staff, we welcomed Leah Bailey, a former Film Lab participant from 2019-20, and a recent graduate of Sarah Lawrence Film Studies Program to be our Teaching Assistant. Her presence provides a deeper level of engagement while enabling Betty Garcia, our Teaching Artist, more hands-on time with the students. She describes her experience with us as follows:
“…during my junior and senior year of high school I had the opportunity to participate in the Film Lab. I remember the welcoming and encouraging environment of the program, Betty’s knowledge and feeling like I was part of a team. During the workshops I learned how to create a film from the idea to the big screen. Betty assisted us with the creative and technical process of storytelling, teaching us film vocabulary, roles and set etiquette. Pitching our film ideas gave us experience with this vital skill which is needed to start any filmmaking process. Every student collaborated together, and we each got to direct our own scene. The encouragement I received ignited my passion and sparked my ‘call to action’ to major in filmmaking in college. I am honored to return to the program as an assistant instructor and pay it forward, helping our new students feel as welcomed and fulfilled as I did.”
There’s no greater compliment than having a former student work with us again!
None of this would be possible without the dedication, passion and creative talent of our Teaching Artist, Betty Garcia, who has been leading our students since class of 2017-18. She’s been a TV and Film creative producer-director since 2004. Her films have been screened worldwide and have received honors from The New Latin Cinema Film Festival and The International Cinematographers Guild. Betty is also a past honoree of IFP Project Involve and obtained a Master’s Degree in Film and Media Studies from The New School. Betty is currently launching Marazu Films, an independent film and education studio devoted to the kind of storytelling that lingers long after the credits roll. Betty is the heart and soul of our educational initiative. Her savvy filmmaking skills combined with her natural ability to teach and nurture young people is a gift to all of us.
Alongside our regular programming and classroom instruction, our students benefit from meeting industry professionals. We are always on the lookout for speakers who can share their journey, give professional advice and furnish internships. Lalou Dammond, veteran NYC commercial film producer and graduate of Princeton University, has been one of our biggest supporters. We caught up with her recently asking:
How would you describe your experience with the students of the MSHFF — both on Zoom and during the internship you provided?
“…Every time I’ve been a guest at the MSHFF Lab Series, I’ve been genuinely impressed by the students – their enthusiasm, openness and the thoughtful way they express themselves. The Foundation has clearly created a safe, supportive and creatively vibrant space where young filmmakers feel encouraged to share their ideas. It is inspiring to hear what’s on the minds of these emerging storytellers. I am especially impressed with the collaborative nature of the program. The students work together on all aspects of the filmmaking process and in so doing, learn valuable lessons like how to work as a unit. My directing partner and I also had the pleasure of working with one of the students as an intern. He was wonderful to have on our team; curious, energetic and eager to learn. He supported us with research and joined us on the set to experienced filmmaking process firsthand.”
Why do you think this kind of education is important?
“…As someone who has mentored young filmmakers for many years, I always welcome opportunities to connect with the next generation. Now more than ever, programs like this matter! They give young people a place to discover their voice, explore their creativity and gain real world experience that can shape their future in the film industry or any industry.”
Watch the Class of 2024-25’s original film, SALESMEN
All our class films can be found at mshff.org/films.
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO COVER THE INCREASING COSTS
The yearly expenditure on delivering our 10-month program is approximately $45,000. This covers salaries and stipends, classroom rental, zoom/technical subscriptions, field trip expenses, scholarships/grants to students, insurance and the complete production budget for the annual original film the students make.
Along with individual donations we welcome grants and corporate/business funding. If your place of business has a matching gift program, please consider adding MSHFF to their contribution list.
