Summer Teen Media Film Screening and Celebration

August 2025

The Summer Teen Media Program—a six-week film intensive—concluded with the annual film screening at the Esperanza Arts Center. Designed to guide students through the complete film making process from script to screen, the program offers hands-on experience in every stage of production as students create three short films over the course of the program.

The first three weeks took place at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where students toured the galleries and drew creative inspiration from the museum’s vast collection to develop their first short film. For their second project, students focused on crafting personal films that reflected their own stories and experiences.

For the final project, students were challenged to create an original 8–10 minute film centered on the theme of “Power.” The students divided into three production teams, and each student took on a professional role—such as writer, director, cinematographer, lighting or sound technician, actor, or editor—mirroring a realworld film crew.

A highlight of the program is the “Big Pitch” event, where each group presents their film concept to a panel of industry professionals. Modeled after the real-world experience of pitching a film to a production company, the event provides students with valuable experience in selling their creative vision.

A collaboration between the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Big Picture Alliance, and Esperanza Academy, the Summer Teen Media Program provides a rich and empowering platform for students to discover their voice, develop their skills, and bring their stories to life.

Congratulations to this incredible group of future filmmakers, It was a fabulous night watching original films and celebrating this creative process with family and friends.