Inspiring Vision Becomes Realty: Educators Aid in Transforming Adolescents' Cinematic Concepts (Visual Content)
In the heart of Syracuse, a unique initiative is fostering creativity and empowerment amongst local high school students. The "Teens With a Movie Camera" project, a four-week community-based initiative, connects Syracuse high school students with local media artists and Syracuse University’s film expertise [1][3][5].
This hands-on filmmaking collaboration provides students with practical skills in filmmaking and visual storytelling, enabling them to create independent films that reflect their perspectives and experiences [2][5]. By offering free media arts workshops four afternoons a week at Shaffer Art Building, the project expands access to creative resources for high school students, fostering their artistic development and confidence in media creation [3].
The project operates as a platform for personal expression and social change, encouraging teens to use photography, film, and visual culture as tools for self-expression [2][5]. The empowerment through filmmaking helps youth voice their stories, explore cultural identity, and engage with their community through a creative medium [1][3][5].
The project has garnered support from various local groups, including the Engaged Humanities Network, CNY Arts Inc., North Side Learning Center, Light Work, Urban Video Project, Syracuse City School District, Nottingham High School, Say Yes to Education Syracuse, Syracuse University Humanities Center, and more.
The summer's theme for the project is "Our Place in Space," which explores topics and skills in both art and science. Participants learn about cinematic storytelling, animation, light and shadow, film editing, and creative sound design.
One of the participants, Laniya Tillie from Nottingham High School, enjoys making little films and feels it helps her express her creative side. Shantell Shallo, a senior at Corcoran High School, joined the project to make new friends and learn filmmaking skills.
Graduate student Shokoofeh Jabbari G'25, an international student pursuing a film career, is also participating in the project. Her involvement has helped her understand American culture and norms.
Mišo Suchý, the project leader and an associate professor of film and media arts, believes the project informs his filmmaking research. The teaser trailer for the project showcases the students' work and previews parts of the completed film.
The films created by the students will debut on February 7, 2026, at the ArtRage Gallery in Syracuse and be exhibited through March 21 as part of the Syracuse Symposium series. The project aims to empower the teenagers involved by showing that their voices and visions matter.
By bringing university-level film production knowledge directly into the community, the "Teens With a Movie Camera" project is not just a learning experience, but a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of giving a voice to the next generation of storytellers. The funding for the project comes from the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement regrant program, Syracuse Symposium, and a grant from the Central New York Community Foundation.
In the context of the "Teens With a Movie Camera" project, Laniya Tillie, a participant from Nottingham High School, expresses her creativity through filmmaking as a means of personal expression, thus linking lifestyle with education-and-self-development. additionally, Shokoofeh Jabbari, a graduate student and international film aspirant, gains both cultural insights and filmmaking skills by being part of the project, demonstrating the overlap of education-and-self-development in this initiative.
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