Saturday event: Movies by Kids for Kids Film Festival Showcases Amazing Films by Foster Youth

 

 

		County of Los Angeles DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES   425 Shatto Place, Los Angeles, California  90020 (213) 351-5602
Board of Supervisors GLORIA MOLINA First District MARK RIDLEY-THOMAS Second District ZEV YAROSLAVSKY Third District DON KNABE Fourth District MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH Fifth District   PATRICIA S. PLOEHN, LCSW Director

 

 

   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

     October 26, 2010

 

 

Contact:  Neil Zanville

                 DCFS Public Affairs

                 (213) 351-5886, Cell (213) 471-6302

 

 

Movies by Kids for Kids Film Festival Showcases Amazing Films by Foster Youth

Creative process of filmmaking proves cathartic for abused youth

 

(LOS ANGELES-October 26)

 

On Saturday, October 30, 2010, there will be yet another Hollywood red carpet film festival and awards ceremony but this time it will be foster youth who are the celebrities screening their own films at the Movies by Kids for Kids Film Festival.  Hosting the inaugural event will be The View's Sherri Shepherd and actor Harry J. Lennix from the television series "Doll House" and "Commander In Chief" at the Raleigh Studios located at 5300 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood.

 

Kids in the Spotlight is the non-profit organization that exposes at-risk and foster youth to the art of filmmaking.  But more importantly, it provides the youth a creative outlet to process what has been a difficult experience-their removal from their families and subsequent journey through foster care.  Executive Director and Founder, Tige Charity has noticed, "At the beginning of the program, the youth are typically withdrawn, barely able to express themselves.  Week by week, working with out team, they become more animated, confident and eager to tell their stories." The teamwork, creativity and discipline required to complete their films helps the youth develop self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

 

Over a 10-week period the youth are schooled in screenwriting, acting, casting, and filming from industry professionals to create and star in their own films that are five to 10 minutes in length.  Their finished scripts are registered with the Writer's Guild of America and the youth all receive a packaged DVD copy of their films.  Their films will be screened in an Oscar-like ceremony at which awards will be presented for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Ensemble, Best Screenplay and Best Film. The youth will be on hand to discuss their films and perhaps learn the next phase of filmmaking-the art of making the deal!

 

Youth filmmakers are available for interviews.

 

A V.I.P. Reception from 2 - 3 p.m. precedes the Awards Ceremony which starts at 3:30.

 

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