Mahoning Valley students produce, star in short films featured in OK Inc.’s film festival
Students representing five schools from northeast Ohio as well as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Youngstown produced their own short films featured Sunday at the Friends4Friends Film Festival.
The festival took place at the DeYor Performing Arts Center in Youngstown, shining a spotlight on the talent and creativity of young filmmakers in the Mahoning Valley.
The films dealt with serious topics impacting young adults daily including self harm, talking to strangers online, drinking and driving, car theft, gangs and gun violence.
Two Youngstown City School District schools, Chaney Middle School and Wilson Alternative, participated in the festival.
Chaney Middle School’s documentary-style video is called “Davion’s Dilemma” which sheds light on peer pressure about vaping and consequences.
Wilson Alternative’s film, “Stealing Cars-The KIA Kid,” brings to the forefront the repercussions of theft and the crucial aspect of accountability.
“We applaud our talented scholars for using their voice to highlight all important issues facing youth,” said YCSD superintendent Jeremy Batchelor. “With storytelling, they are actively participating in social change.”
The Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown also produced a short film with the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center.
Their short film is called “Time to Make a Change.”
The Friends4Friends Film Festival has been organized by OK, Inc. for the past 11 years.
OK, Inc. will announce the winners based on which video receives the most likes online.
Anyone interested in supporting local filmmakers can attend the upcoming Youngstown Film Festival happening Oct. 19 at The Federal Tower, located on the corner of Wick Avenue and West Federal Street.