Shoot With This

“Shoot with This” Film Mentorship project launched its second year in November 2007. Servicing a diverse group of youth in the Jane-Finch area, the project takes place once a week at Westview Centennial. Youth from various micro neighbourhoods have the opportunity to attend the project in a centrally located school. Some of the issues that adversely impact our students include violence in the community, marginalization, school attendance, conflict in the home, and poverty.

Joseph Pierre (R) with Shoot With This participants photo courtesy Shoot With This

Since November numerous artists who are part of the SWT collective have conducted workshops for the participants. Director Jaime Escallon-Buraglia screened his short film “Welcome” and used excerpts from popular films to exemplify the concepts of story structure and the use of themes and messages in films. In addition, actor and playwright Joseph Pierre recently gave a workshop on writing. He encouraged the students to write with their own voice and to tell the truth about their experiences. In reading from his play “Beat Down”, he showed how sharing experiences through art becomes a vehicle for the audience to make their own discoveries and connections. After the reading, one of the participants was so moved by the experiences of the main character that he disclosed his own similar concerns and fears of becoming a father. Added to that, actor Lenny Silvini wowed the youth with his energetic lesson on Method acting. Lenny will return to help the youth workshop their first script.

Currently, Program Coordinator Dameion Royes and co-facilitators Egerton Blackwood, Laura Rocca, Judith Montreuil, and Chris DaCosta are working with students to develop their first group project. The group is working on a short movie about the struggles of inter-religious dating from the perspective of a young Muslim woman.

Of particular note about our project is its emphasis on the relationships we build with the participants. Approximately 6 youth who participated in the project last year have joined us again this year. Four of these students have been selected as Youth Artist Mentors based on their experience, participation on numerous filming projects and the maturity they bring to the group. The presence of these youth artist mentors has significantly influenced the tone of the project.

Shoot With This completes in June 2008.

Laura Rocca, “Shoot With This” Program Coordinator

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