Students in YMF’s inaugural filmmaking class completed their first short film, which premiered at our grand opening event in April and screened at our spring concert this month . Titled “Cielo,” the film tells the story of a young musician entering a competition with a $1,000 prize. Inspired by his little sister’s urgent need for glasses, he overcomes his initial self-doubt and negative self-talk to win the competition. The film ends as he gifts his sister, Cielo, the glasses his winnings allowed him to purchase, students drove the entire process: writing the script, storyboarding, acting, directing, editing, and post-production.

The screening featured a discussion with the film’s student co-director, Sabrina Sosa. Sabrina shared how the class overcame the storytelling, planning, and logistical aspects of filmmaking, and how proud she was of her class’s work.

The class is currently wrapping up production of their second film, a very creative take on the horror genre. We are proud of our students’ hard work and dedication, and super grateful to our teaching artist, Luis Horacio Pineda, for so effectively and engagingly sharing his passion for the craft and his ability to uplift the creativity and vision of his students.