Empowering Creativity Through the Arts First Film Program
Arts First, a Tacoma-based nonprofit organization, is revolutionizing access to arts education with its innovative Film Program. Dedicated to cultivating the next generation of storytellers, the program offers a diverse range of opportunities for students of all ages to explore the art of filmmaking—completely free of charge.
Free Summer Film Camp: A Gateway to Filmmaking
Every summer, Arts First invites young creatives to participate in its Free Summer Film Camp. This flagship program provides an immersive, hands-on introduction to filmmaking, covering the essentials of scriptwriting, cinematography, editing, and directing. Students collaborate on producing short films that reflect their unique perspectives, often inspired by their communities and experiences.
By the end of the camp, participants showcase their films in a celebratory screening event attended by friends, family, and community members. This empowering experience not only builds technical skills but also instills confidence, teamwork, and a passion for creative expression.
After-School Filmmaking Club: Sustained Learning and Growth
Arts First extends its mission year-round with the After-School Filmmaking Club, designed to provide ongoing education and mentorship. This program offers students a supportive space to develop their filmmaking skills while working on more ambitious projects.
Participants delve deeper into advanced techniques, including sound design, special effects, and storytelling for diverse formats such as documentaries and social media platforms. The club also connects students with local filmmakers who share industry insights and inspire future career aspirations.
Club-B: Inspiring Filmmakers in Tacoma Public Schools
In collaboration with Tacoma Public Schools, Arts First brings filmmaking directly to middle school students through its Club-B Film Club. Embedded within the schools, this program makes arts education accessible to students who may not have the resources to participate in extracurricular activities.
Club-B offers a structured curriculum tailored to middle schoolers, introducing them to the fundamentals of visual storytelling. Students work on collaborative film projects that often explore themes of identity, community, and resilience. By fostering creativity within the school environment, Club-B helps bridge the gap in arts education and ensures that every student has the opportunity to tell their story.
Building a Creative Future
The Arts First Film Program exemplifies the organization’s commitment to empowering Tacoma’s youth through the arts. By offering free, high-quality filmmaking education, Arts First is leveling the playing field and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to opportunities that nurture their creativity and ambition.
Under the leadership of founder and director Chhay, who himself knows the transformative power of the arts, Arts First continues to expand its programming. With plans for further growth, including enhanced resources and new collaborations, the Film Program remains a beacon of hope and creativity for Tacoma’s future storytellers.
For more information about Arts First and its Film Program, visit artsfirst.org or contact info@artsfirst.org.