Education: What Does It Mean? What Is It Worth?
Filmmaker/Mentor: Cedric Pounds | Urban Dreams Classroom Teacher/English Language Development: Mary Scott | Skyline High School Student Filmmakers: Taha Abozayd, Izudin Huskic, Norman L. Mercado, Eric Ton, Adelina Trenado

By studying Frederick Douglass, we learned about his tenacious efforts to become educated even to the point of risking his life. We recognize that many of our peers are not taking advantage of their educational opportunities, and not realizing the valuable opportunity that a good education can provide. We want to create a video that addresses the issue while making a statement that a quality education is the ticket to personal freedom.

Using Mr. Douglass as a backdrop, this video examines student attitudes about education. Interviews with Skyline High students reveal what education means to them and how they envision their lives without one.

6 Min, 11 Sec

Low Res (4.2 MB)

High Res (7 MB)

Let 'Em Learn
Filmmaker/Mentor: Jillian O’Connor | Urban Dreams Classroom Teacher/U.S. History: Jeff Dillon | Street Academy Student Filmmakers: Angelina Johnson, Marisol Nuno, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Precious Smith, Berenice Venegas

Currently, in California, there is more funding for the prison system than there is for education. There is a direct correlation between the increase of funds allocated for prisons and the decrease of educational funds. The general view of the present day youth, particularly inner city youth, is distorted by the media, as it sensationalizes their ‘violent’ and ‘drug ridden’ ‘promiscuous’ lifestyles. With this influence, the public is calling for government to incarcerate youth at an increasing speed, while ignoring their most important resource: educated youth.

This video will reveal the misdirected priorities of the state and federal government. The video takes a position on this issue, placing blame on the current system; and will motivate the audience to consider the issue, and perhaps become involved in changing the system.

10 Min, 7 Sec

Low Res (2.8 MB)

High Res (10.7 MB)

Youth Violence: Images of Influence
Filmmaker/Mentor: Kenya Davis | Urban Dreams Classroom Teacher/English: Alex Huezo | Far West High School Student Filmmakers: Cindy Avalos-Garcia, Daria Walters-Gary, Rene Moreno, Alexis O’Neal, Arturo Ortega

The world is filled with images of de-humanization. Most of the population is continuously bombarded with the glorification of violence in media, advertisements, and movies. This has lead to increased numbers of homicides and youth violence in many cities around the world. The causes and effects of youth violence are often ignored.

This video shares information from people who have been directly affected by youth violence. It raises awareness and offers solutions to stop youth violence.

7 Min, 43 Sec

Low Res (2.2 MB)

High Res (7.8 MB)

Just Try to Stop Us, A Portrait of Four Youth Activists
Filmmaker/Mentor: Gabriel Diamond | Classroom Teacher/English and Drama: Larry Felson | Oakland High School Student Filmmakers: Laurra Hin, Jonathan Spint, Claina Jiminez, Samantha Hynes, Maurice Williams, Muey Saephan, Marijane Castillo

Apathy rules America. Or at least that’s the impression most people have. Many people are dissatisfied with the way the country is run, but don’t do anything about it. Meanwhile, there is a powerful minority who are politically active. Many of these activists are youth. The problem we address in our video is the mythology that students are apathetic and ignorant.

This video features several students at Oakland High who are politically active. We aim to show the audience, not only that there are kids in Oakland High who have strong convictions and are willing to do the work to see them realized, but also to motivate latent activism in viewers.

8 Min, 6 Sec

Low Res (2.3 MB)

High Res (9.4 MB)