On March 25th at 2 pm, Media Arts Center San Diego presents its annual Youth Vision Teen Filmmakers showcase, a collection of shorts from young filmmakers. The filmmakers represent a growing population of young people who have found that their medium of expression lies in telling stories through visual media. This handpicked selection of shorts from around the country are a blend of narrative and documentary pieces, produced by filmmakers of varying experience levels, and addressing topics that range from health, social media, gentrification, and urban art, to education, prejudice, border issues, and U.S.-Cuban relations. Purchase Tickets!
Including films by Bay Area Video Coalition, Better Youth, Maysles Documentary Center, Reel Voices, and South Side FYI for their cooperation.
Behind the Wall (5 min) by Kiara Ramirez
A short documentary on the lives of immigrant workers in Northern California vineyards.
Burnouts (5 min) by MACSD Teen Producers Project
In order to save their relationship, a puppet couple quits smoking, only to find out the withdrawal symptoms are stronger than they ever imagined.
Chicana Art Gallery (3 min) by MACSD Teen Producers Project
An inspiring interview with artist and gallery owner, Cesar Castaneda, founder of Chicana Art Gallery in Barrio Logan, about the connection between community, art, and culture.
CicloSDias (2 min) by MACSD Teen Producers Project
Take a ride into the heart of City Heights with TPP as they document CicloSDias, an open-road initiative that allows members of the community to roam the streets freely, inspiring active transportation such as walking, jogging, biking and cycling. Part of the Pulse of Life documentary series examining how communities in San Diego are intervening to make healthy choices easier by providing more equitable access to healthy food, health education, health care, public transportation, physical activities, and a safer built environment.
Dear America (5 min) by Harvard-Westlake School
A dialogue has been opened between the U.S. and Cuba. Two U.S. teen journalists travel to Cuba and ask local Cubans, “What would you like Americans to know about you?”
Enrique Morones and Border Angels (4 min) by MACSD Teen Producers Project
Enrique Morones is a community activist saving the lives of immigrants who risk everything to cross the U.S.-Mexico border in search of better opportunities to support their families. Morones talks about his organization, Border Angels, and why he has an organization dedicated to advocating for and saving the lives of immigrants.
High Stakes (5 min) by MACSD Teen Producers Project
This short documentary takes a look at the statewide initiative Betting On Our Future (BOOF) and the students in the program who advocate for an increased awareness of problem gambling.
I Don’t Want to Salsa with You (5 min) by Maysles Documentary Center
A profile of Melissa Minchala, a Latina CEO of a tech company.
Into Sergio (3 min) by Mt. Pleasant High School
Teenaged Sergio Conriquez is trying to accomplish his dream of becoming a software engineer, knowing that Latinos represent less than 3% of employees in Silicon Valley’s technology industry. Sergio speaks about his parents’ struggles, the history of his hometown, and how these things have helped to shape his life as a young Latino.
Kansas Street (2 min) by MACSD & High Tech High Interns
Learn about Vision Zero’s mission to reduce traffic fatalities by installing a crosswalk at a busy intersection along El Cajon Boulevard. Sponsored by Digital Gym on the Blvd
Locally Grown Health Benefits at Farmer’s Market (2 min) by MACSD Teen Producers Project
A true community piece, this short documentary visits the City Heights Farmer’s Market, chronicling the intent of the local farmers and vendors. Part of the Pulse of Life documentary series examining how communities in San Diego are intervening to make healthy choices easier by providing more equitable access to healthy food, health education, health care, public transportation, physical activities, and a safer built environment.
Love and Music (5 min) by Harvard-Westlake School
Cuba is known for its expressive music, but how did the revolution affect musicians’ freedom of speech through their music? Three American teen musicians delve into the matter through interviews with scholars and contemporary Cuban musical artists.
Miracle Baby (5 min) by Reel Voices
Sienna explores the love her family has for her, even though it’s a family based on choice, not blood.
North Park Murals (4 min) by MACSD & High Tech High Interns
Highlights the positive impact of the colorful murals painted on the walls of businesses in North Park and their effect on the community. Sponsored by Digital Gym on the Blvd.
On My Way for an Education (5 min) by MAAC Community Charter School
Created by students in the ACLU San Diego Youth Activists for Change program at MAAC Community Charter School, with guidance from local film artist Reynaldo Escoto, this stop-motion film chronicles the story of two fictional students as they confront the challenges of their daily commute to school, their binational experience, and their resistance to the racist and classist forces they face.
Robot Lives Matter (4 min) by MACSD Teen Producers Project
A group of robots and a group of humans prepare to play a board game in a world where both groups look down upon each other.
Sin Madre (3 min) by Bay Area Video Coalition
A loving tribute to a working mother who struggles to work, support her family, and be a mother.
Slide (5 min) by Jayden Gillespie
A film about racial prejudice and how family dynamics have changed in modern society.
Stealing Home (4 min) by Harvard-Westlake School
Baseball may be America’s favorite past time, but to Cubans, it means even more. Three teen sports enthusiasts travel to Cuba and speak to scholars and fans to learn more about the legacy of baseball in Cuba.
Trust (12 min) by South Side FYI
A vulnerable teen is torn between trusting her best friend’s advice or her boyfriend’s desires. Despite Maria’s doubts, she goes with her gut and does the unthinkable. Will risky choices lead to a devastating reality?
Undisputed (3 min) by MACSD Teen Producers Project & AJA Academy
Undisputed is a gym in City Heights that teaches boxing to local youth who need to let off some steam. The program has been incredibly successful in what they say provides an opportunity for fitness and empowers the bully not to be a bully. “I used to do a lot of street fights, because of my anger, but coming here, working out, fighting with your friends, hugging out at the end of the fight, it keeps you out of trouble.” Sponsored by Speak City Heights.
Victor Ochoa: San Diego’s Legendary Muralist (4 min) by MACSD Teen Producers Project
A founding Chicano Park muralist who continues to advocate for immigrant rights and representation through his art, Victor Ochoa has overcome countless barriers but is now a U.S. citizen highly recognized for his contributions to San Diego’s art culture and as an arts educator working with youth in all corners of the city.
We All Can: Conchita’s Story (6 min) by Harvard-Westlake School
An an uplifting story about the hopes and dreams of a Mayan girl in Guatemala transforming her life through education.
“Welcome” to America (7 min) by Maysles Documentary Center
A young immigrant from the Dominican Republic talks about growing up in Washington Heights, a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Manhattan.
What a Woman’s Supposed to Look Like (1 min) by Bay Area Video Coalition
A personal look at the stress surrounding body image and beauty standards.
