The Ghetto Film School, a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing the next generation of storytellers, recently hosted its highly anticipated End of Summer event. This annual gathering showcases the remarkable films created by up-and-coming Director of Photography (DP) talent, offering a glimpse into the future of cinematic artistry. In this blog post, we will explore the essence of the Ghetto Film School and highlight some of the standout films featured in this year’s event.
Founded in 2000 by Joe Hall and Sharese Bullock, the Ghetto Film School (GFS) has built a brand dedicated to becoming a beacon of hope for aspiring filmmakers from underserved communities. GFS offers free education and mentorship programs designed to empower young creatives, providing them with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in the world of film and media. They share our mission to level the playing field in the film industry with free or low cost mentoring and instruction. Our goal is to help aspiring filmmakers master Digital Storytelling using inexpensive tools like smartphones that are available to them.
The Ghetto Film School End of Summer event serves as a celebration of the incredible talent nurtured within the GFS community. While GFS’s programs encompass various aspects of filmmaking, this particular event shines a spotlight on the Director of Photography, the visionary responsible for crafting the visual narrative of a film.
Marc Esannason, from Making A Brand, had a chance to talk to David Mansour who produced a stunning short film called Cerulean Dream. “Cerulean Dream” is an avant-garde dance film that delves into the intricacies of pain and enlightenment, all conveyed through the art of acceptance in motion. This mesmerizing film was filmed in the vibrant backdrop of Brooklyn, New York, approximately two years ago. Crafted collaboratively by a passionate team of creatives, “Cerulean Dream” is a cinematic embodiment of our shared narrative of embracing acceptance – DAVID MANSOUR – CERULEAN DREAM. David said “he learned choreography in order to use his gimbal to keep up with the dancers as they danced in sync.
The Ghetto Film School’s End of Summer event is more than just a showcase of emerging DP talents; it’s a celebration of the power of digital storytelling. As these young filmmakers continue to hone their craft, they are poised to make significant contributions to the world of cinema. With organizations like GFS providing guidance and support, the future of filmmaking is indeed bright, filled with fresh voices and innovative perspectives. As we eagerly anticipate next year’s events, we can only imagine the cinematic wonders that lie ahead for these talented DPs.
