With one 50-seat theater, a spartan reception area and small concession stand that offers popcorn and other treats, North Park’s Media Arts Center Digital Gym stands as an retro tribute to a bygone era of movie viewing.
Now stroll down the main hallway and up the wooden staircase. That’s where the center’s true mission comes into full focus: A dozen or so young students learning the hands-on craft of digital film-making, editing and story-telling.
In recent years, LISC San Diego has helped fund this two-story, 6,000-square foot building that some five years ago was an empty eyesore along El Cajon Boulevard near 30
th Street in North Park.
As founder/executive director, van Thillo takes immense pride in his creation, led by the annual San Diego Latino Festival, set to mark its 25
th anniversary early next year. A graduate of UC Santa Cruz, he’s also a LISC AmeriCorps alum.
What exactly is the Media Arts Center Digital Gym?
“Digital Gym” is a play on words – we want people to flex their 21
st century technology muscles. We want them to come in, take a workshop, get personal training, learn new software and tools they can use for school, at home or work. Then, in addition, we present this amazing series of independent cinema, where you can see films you won’t get to see anywhere else in San Diego.
What are your main tasks and responsibilities?
I believe my most important role here is to help educate the community, primarily youth, about the importance of learning about other cultures, diversity – plus about the importance of education in teaching kids about new technologies.
What satisfaction do you get from your role?
As executive director, a lot of my focus is on our administrative work. So for me, my satisfaction derives from those times when I see our audiences come out of our theatre and I see their faces. They’re either laughing or smiling or on the verge of tears because they’ve just experienced something that moved them emotionally.
Beyond learning the basics of filmmaking, what skills do your courses emphasize for young people?
It’s always a special moment when I see our students proudly stand in front of audience of their peers, introducing the video they’ve created and taking questions afterward. That’s the most special gift we can give – helping unleash their new-found spark of creativity.
How has LISC San Diego helped you?
This used to be a negative space covered in trash and graffiti. And now we’re a thriving community hub. We couldn’t be more grateful for LISC San Diego and their generous partners.
Media Arts Center Digital Gym
2921 El Cajon Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92104
619-230-1938
