11TH FILM FEST OCT 21-28, 2010

Reel Voices Interns focus a shot

Interns Jerrod and Lupe practice interviewing a local Karate instructor

Reel Voices Alumni from 2007 and 2008 return to give the 2009 class a preview of finishing a film

Interns Lora (L) and Junia (R) listen on as Apple Genius Dane shows them how to navigate the timeline

Jerrod and Joey (background) work with one camera, while Lupe (foreground) works with another during a cinematography exercise.

The 2009 Reel Voices class at the Apple Store

Apple Genius Alan gives Intern Joey a lesson on Final Cut Pro

Interns listen on as Apple Genius Dane shows them how to navigate the timeline

REEL VOICES

Since 2005, the San Diego Asian Film Foundation has empowered local high school students to learn the art of documentary filmmaking through the Reel Voices Program. This intense, 18-week summer internship helps students become socially conscious storytellers, learn Final Cut Pro editing, and experience all stages of production and post-production.

Students receive a $500 scholarship for their work, which premieres at the annual San Diego Asian Film Festival in October. The films are also packaged onto a DVD and travels to other film festivals around the country including Los Angeles Film Festival, Urban Visionaries, Asian Cinevision, and Human Rights Watch International Film Festival. Reel Voices films are also available free On-Demand on digital Time Warner Cable, channel 144.

CLASS OF 2009

  • Guadalupe Sandoval, 11th Grade, High Tech High (ARTS)
  • Holly Cramer, 12th Grade, La Jolla High
  • Laura ChauDavis, 11th Grade, High Tech High Point Loma
  • Jarrod Finley, 11th Grade, Point Loma High
  • Joseph Severs, 10th Grade, Hoover High (ARTS)
  • Junia Zhang, 11th Grade, Torrey Pines High
  • Staci Gaines, 11th Grade, Granite Hills High
  • Steve Garcia, 12th Grade, San Diego High (ARTS)

You can watch the premiere of their films for free during the 10th San Diego Asian Film Festival, on Saturday, October 23, 2009 at the Hazard Center UltraStar Theaters.

Reel Voices 2009 Videos: (Watch in HQ)

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION INFO

Reel Voices is open to any high school student in San Diego County, including graduating seniors. Students do not need prior filmmaking experience, but they do need reliable transportation. We take applications between in the Spring. To see our latest application, click here.

PARTNERSHIPS

The San Diego Asian Film Foundation partners with another local nonprofit agency, A Reason to Survive (ARTS), for the Reel Voices program. ARTS serves thousands of children and teenagers facing challenges using multiple forms of art. Reel Voices classes will take place at the ARTS facility in Liberty Station. The partnership will allow more students-in-need to participate in Reel Voices, revealing their personal stories and hardships on digital media.

We are especially grateful for our partnership with Bank of America, the presenting sponsor of Reel Voices, who shares our commitment to giving young people a voice through this program. LG Mobilecomm has also provided additional funding to keep this program alive during the most difficult economic times.

STUDENT QUOTES

"This internship cemented my passion to become a filmmaker and was one of the major reasons I got into film school."
     - Adam Lee, Reel Voices class of 2007, Film student at Loyola Marymount

"Reel Voices made my dream to become a filmmaker more realistic and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to tell stories through film."
     -Harrison Tong, Reel Voices class of 2008

"Reel Voices opened the light to my dark world allowing me to find myself as an individual, giving me the opportunity to use media to communicate my message. This program has been one of the biggest challenges that I had to go through."
     - Joska Charles, Reel Voices class of 2008