FACETS Film 101 provides kids and teens ages 9-13 with a foundation in film history, appreciation, and production. Film 101 alumni who served on the CICFF Jury were recently invited to take part in the Movie Room film club for teens started by The California Film Institute (CFI).

Recent Film 101 graduates were invited to participate in The California Film Institute’s (CFI) new National Film Club for Teens, Movie Room, in collaboration with seven other independent cinema’s across the country. Participating students ages 14–18 from around the country get exclusive, free online access to an independent film curated by one of the participating film organizations.

After viewing the film, the diverse group of teens all come together online for a live, moderated weekend discussion focused on creative interpretation and critical analysis of the film. When possible, filmmaker guests will join the live conversation to get direct feedback from the students about their work.

The program, geared towards building a national community of students passionate about cinema provides a consistent and safe space for young people to interact with each other, spark dialogue, exchange ideas, and engage with a range of cultures and perspectives. Movie Room cultivates critical film analysis and interpersonal communication skills crucial to students’ personal and professional development and fosters empathy and cultural awareness by examining diverse characters and communities in film. Students are challenged to learn and think differently, to look past their differences and connect through the power of storytelling in Film.

“It has been a wonderful opportunity for FACETS Film 101 teen alumni to participate in this special program.” Said FACETS Director of Youth Programs, Kate Beckman. “Not only are they able to see new, independent films that speak to teens, they also have the opportunity to meet other teens from around the country who share their passion with film, and share their thoughts and ideas. Staying connected to independent film, through the California Film Institute, as well as collaborating with seven film-arts organizations around the United States, has opened up the possibility for future collaboration of workshops and camps, film festival and jury participation, and other special programming like Movie Room.”

Movie Room began as a pilot program at the 43rd Mill Valley Film Festival in October 2020, with three partner organizations and Noah Hutton’s sci-fi feature Lapsis. With proof of concept established, the program was further developed, more partners were brought on board, and the full version of the program was launched in April 2021 with Channing Godfrey Peoples’ narrative feature Miss Juneteenth.

Most recently, on May 8, 2021, Movie Room participants discussed Emily Cohen Ibanez’s new documentary feature Fruits of Labor, with Ibanez and the film’s protagonist, Ashley Solis, joining the discussion to hear the students’ responses to the film.

Film 101 graduate, Grace said, “I love to talk and write about films so when I was notified about Movie Room, applying was a no-brainer. Once I was accepted, I was extremely nervous about the first meeting but after reading through the discussion questions, and hearing people who shared opinions similar to mine I felt so at ease and like I belonged in the space. So far, I am totally loving Movie Room, I get to see films that I wouldn’t have been able to see on my own and I get to connect with new people, something that I haven’t really been able to do in over a year!”

Our Film 101 camp has been loved by teens, kids and parents alike for over 28 years because of the important blend of film production and appreciation over the 10 day course. Not only is Film 101 a great way to get the skills and knowhow essential to a career in the film industry, but it is a way to engage deeper with film through opportunities like Movie Room and the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF) Children and Youth Juries, which Film 101 is a prerequisite to receive an invite for.

Film 101 runs Monday-Friday, July 12-23 for ages 9-13. Sign up and learn more about the Summer 2021 sessions of our flagship camp that families have loved for 28 years here.