The Real to Reel Student Filmmaker Program

The Story of the Real to Reel Student Filmmaker

The Real-to-Reel Student Filmmaker Program was created as an educational initiative of the following community-based organizations: Prince George’s Arts and Humanity Council (PGAHC) and the Global Film and Humanity Project (the community-based alliance that brought us TEZA). The Creative Edge and Hyattsville CDC actively seek funding to continue this program.

The story of the Real to Reel Student Filmmaker program began in February 2010 with a conversation between 25 Prince Georges County high school student filmmakers and renowned filmmaker, Haile Gerima during the local screening of his latest film TEZA.

Haile was so impressed by the potential of our high school students that he offered to conduct a seminar especially for them. We decided to accept his offer and with the leadership of Prince Georges Arts and Humanities Council, worked with Haile Gerima to design the curriculum and formally launched in Fall 2010.

The Real to Reel Student Filmmaker program is an outstanding film education initiative which offers students from Prince George’s Schools the opportunity to participate in a world-class program designed for them by renowned filmmaker Haile Gerima. The curriculum introduces the language of filmmaking; as well as, practical experience in pre-production, production and post-production.

The program is a 10-week film workshop designed to help prepare our high school students for the high-end jobs that are being created by film and digital media entrepreneurs who we are attracting to the Gateway Arts District of Prince George’s County. This year we are expanding the program from 10 to 15 students and will give students the opportunity to shoot their first short film, which will be screened at our Global Film Festival.

The Story of Us

We believe that the potential of our local film students can be fulfilled in our Arts District. We are creating the economic infrastructure that allows the arts and creative economy to thrive. Today, the Gateway Arts District is home to over 350 artists and 100 studios, and numerous galleries. These creative assets have attracted new business and investment, enabling the development of high-end commercial and residential projects even during the worst of the economic downturn.