As one of the founders and a current board member of the
RYSE Center, I am proud to see RYSE once again
setting the pace for youth wellness and leadership.
The RYSE Center demonstrates what providing a safe place that nurtures creativity can do for all young people.
In typically bold fashion, RYSE youth are now set to hold their first ever film festival celebrating the work of young, local video artists. The aim of the festival, titled, "Truth Be Told: Justice Through My Eyes," is to highlight and empower young voices and visions through film. The festival and competition seeks artists aged 13-24 with an eye toward social justice issues and a focus on juvenile and criminal justice. Films' focus may include:
- Juvenile & Adult Criminal justice systems
- Anti-violence
- School to prison pipeline
- Criminalization of Immigrants
- Alternatives to Incarceration
The films can be shot with any equipment, including iPhones, and can be a maximum of 12 minutes in length (8 minutes is suggested).
Submissions will be judged based on story, relevance to justice themes, artistic vision and production quality. The deadline for submission is August 28, and prizes ranging from $50 to $250 will be awarded.
The festival follows the exciting growth of RYSE's media, arts and culture programs. One production, "Te's Harmony," a modern day stage version of "Romeo and Juliet," was featured in "Romeo Is Bleeding," a documentary that was screened at the San Francisco Film Festival. Please spread the word about this amazing opportunity to our talented young filmmakers! Outstanding submissions will debut to the public September 9, 2015 at Rialto Cinemas Cerrito theater in El Cerrito. RYSE has made a positive difference in the lives of young people. |
