Talkin' Shorts: Cleveland Public Film Talk
A free community educational film talk and screening for Cleveland youth.
Leader
Dontae Hill
Location
1148 Main Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113
About the project
As a local art group and collective, our mission is to provide a free film screening that showcases diversity while bringing awareness to both social and economic issues. We will discuss issues within the community and how they are often displayed on film. I will host the free public pro film talk at the Music Box Supper Club and provide lessons on filmmaking techniques. Prior to the screening, we will give away cameras to youth at the venue and teach people the basics of photography and videography. Our goal is to create new artists who will use photography as a medium to express their emotions and capture new views of the community.
The Steps
-Gather event speakers and review instructional materials (June)
-Gather filmmaking items and cameras(June)
-Acquire sanitizing supplies for social distancing (July)
-Provide photography lessons along with seasoned photographers (August)
-Provide free public film screening (August)
Why we‘re doing it
We want to engage the community and allow them to speak up on social issues through art by the use of film and photography. I will address current social views regarding mental health and provide learning resources on the topic. We will explore life conflicts for African Americans who have to weigh finances vs physical health. We will meet an economic need by supplying cameras and art lessons for free to the community during these tough times. It has become increasingly hard for members of the community to find free art lessons; this event will provide that for youth during the summer.
I want to inspire inner-city youth and spur a new crop of young filmmakers therefore, the event will be highly accessible to the community at large as it is located in the center of downtown Cleveland. I can recall attending film events at the venue in the past and gaining critical knowledge from local directors such as Johnny Wu and Kevin Taylor. I am aware that many film students and newcomers are looking for guidance from filmmakers and I am more than willing to share my experience and give back.