From Tik Tok to the big screen, Chicago kids are getting skills on movie making and media at this summer's Young Filmmakers Camp at Eden Place Farms (4911 S. Shields). Nestled into the back of Chicago’s smallest community of Fuller Park students between the ages of 11 to 18 pose for a picture with their camera as they finish their final days of filmmaking camp with their camp director. Ariel White, a filmmaker herself is all smiles as to how the camp came to be, she shared “we saw a need for youth interested in photography, producing, directing and filmmaking.” Brandon C. is a 13 years old who attends Betty Shabbaz. “I wanted to learn about cameras,” he said, “my mom told me about the camp, and I was interested. I’ve learned how to use lighting and make storyboards,” Brandon continued. He is one of the eight campers in the two week program and is even producing and directing his first film at the end of the camp. The kids have access to a production studio with camera, lighting equipment and software.
Brooklyn H. who is also 13 is an aspiring photographer and a student at Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep “My dad told me about the program, and I love to take pictures of the sky, plants and people sometimes,” said the buying photojournalist. Brooklyn shared, “my favorite part of camp is learning how to actually make a short film.” All of the youth will be presenting their final films at an end of camp film festival located at Eden Place Farms where friends and family can come and enjoy their work together. The community is welcomed and can find out more information on their website at www.edenplacenaturecenter,org.
Dr. Mila Marshall is an environmental professional and journalist with a passion for advancing sustainability in all sectors. Her passion is directed towards urban food systems in segregated cities.