Spotlight on Young Filmmakers

Charlotte with 16-year-old screenwriter Elsa Chung, a Ghetto Film School student

It’s not easy to succeed in the movie business. But some lucky teens are getting a rare opportunity.

The Ghetto Film School (GFS), a nonprofit organization based in New York City and Los Angeles, gives talented high school students invaluable experience behind the camera.

The GFS Fellows Program, an intense 30-week course, allows students to learn every facet of filmmaking—from writing and directing to sound editing and mixing. The teens even get expert advice from movie stars, screenwriters, and directors.

Screenwriters, directors, and actors, including Ansel Elgort (in red cap), critique the work of Ghetto Film School students.

“GOOD STORYTELLING LASTS”

Ansel Elgort, Sakina Jaffrey, Sebastian Stan, and other stars recently sat down with GFS students at Bloomberg Philanthropies in New York City. The actors read aloud the scripts of two students and then, with help from professional screenwriters and directors, offered their critiques.

One of the scripts, Her Diana, was written by Elsa Chung, a 16-year-old New Yorker. Elsa’s passion for screenwriting, she said, stems from a simple belief: “Novelties and technology come and go, but good storytelling lasts forever.” 

After wowing the actors, directors, and audience with her screenplay, Elsa explained the inspiration behind it: She wanted to explore the effects of violence and assault on women.

This summer, Elsa’s script will be made into a film. GFS student Nia Stanford, a 16-year-old from New Jersey, will direct the production.

Charlotte with Ansel Elgort at Bloomberg Philanthropies in New  York City

“WE ARE THE FUTURE”

Elsa, Nia, and the other students are grateful for GFS, which helps aspiring filmmakers learn their craft free of charge.

“I always had possible stories running around in my head,” Elsa said. “But I had trouble finding a place that could provide the resources, technology, and instruction to bring my stories to the next level.”

Nia said that learning how to direct films is providing a welcome avenue for self-expression. “Conformity is a really major part of teen life today,” she observed. “There has to be some outlet for creativity.” 

Founded in 2000, GFS hopes to continue to give young people the chance to express themselves behind the camera, especially those whose voices might otherwise not be heard.

Nia is ready for the opportunity. “We are the future,” she said.