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“Be the change you wish to see,” Gandhi advised to the youth of India. Such worthwhile advice can, however, leave young people the world over scratching their heads and asking “how do I change my life and connect with my goals? Who will help me?”
Enter an agent for change -- The American Youth Film Project -- a first of its kind film production dedicated to transforming dreams into reality through the medium of film and film-making. This undertaking will offer as many as 200 young adults between the ages of 18 and 20 an opportunity to master their choice of the many different roles involved in the making of a feature film. The film crew collectively, and each participant individually, will be responsible for meeting professional film standards and will share in the satisfaction of work well done and the joy of having created “the change they wished to see.” Each participant will be guided by an accomplished mentor who will share their knowledge of standards, techniques, and the creative potential inherent in each domain of film craft, from directing to lighting and sound design, to acting, to post-production editing and distribution. Mentors will come from the ranks of celebrity professionals throughout the world and from the growing number experienced and creative film artisans in New Mexico
Each student will emerge from the experience with one or more skills, with pride in their accomplishments, and the first item in the “employment history” section of their résumé.
The central feature of the film is a script with the title of “Justice.” It is a gripping story of three young men who make terrible choices that have deadly consequences. The story traces how their lives unfold over a 20-year period and has a startling conclusion.
The process of making of the film begins with an approach to educational and youth organizations throughout the State of New Mexico, explaining the project in detail and inviting interested young people to complete the application process. Applicants will be asked to write a brief essay about themselves emphasizing their personal and professional goals. Working with community outreach organizations, AYFP will make a special effort to reach at-risk youth and those whose educational opportunities have been limited. Every application will be carefully reviewed and the individuals who best meet AYFP goals will be invited to an interview. More details on the selection process will be forthcoming.
In addition to coordinating work on the feature film, AYFP staff will produce a series of TV specials that will introduce the Project’s young people to the public. Audiences will participate vicariously as applicants endure the process of selection, experience their first meeting with the mentors, and work as crew on the set of “Justice.” A portion of the profits from the TV project will be donated to help other at-risk youth. AYFP foresees continuous follow-up programming on Internet sites and a “making of ‘Justice’” documentary.
Funding for this important and innovative project will come from a number of sources, including the private investors, corporate investors, and donations from many different public organizations that serve the goals of young people. The lives of everyone participating in the AYFP project will be enriched. These include the communities of New Mexico, the lives of the young participants, and all who are involved in both essential and tangential ways.