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01.21.12 We are currently seeking dynamic instructors for Reel Voices. The following positions are open until further notice:
Reel Voices Lead Instructor

Latest News: Congratulations to all 10 students of Reel Voices 2011! Their short documentaries premiered at the San Diego Asian Film Festival this past October and are now on YouTube. Also, if you missed our premiere, view the recap video. And photos too.

The films will now be traveling the world as we submit and screen at film festivals everywhere. Wish us luck and check back for updates.

Want to receive updates about Reel Voices and the 2012 Reel Voices program application? Send an email to reelvoices[at]sdaff[dot]org with subject line Interested in Reel Voices 2012 to be added to the emailing list.

Since 2005, the San Diego Asian Film Foundation has empowered local high school students to learn the art of documentary filmmaking through the Reel Voices Program. This intense, 12-week summer internship helps students become socially conscious storytellers, learn Final Cut Pro editing, and experience all stages of production and post-production.

Students receive a $500 scholarship for their work, which premieres at the annual San Diego Asian Film Festival in October. The films are also packaged onto a DVD and travels to other film festivals around the country including Los Angeles Film Festival, Urban Visionaries, Asian Cinevision, and Human Rights Watch International Film Festival. Reel Voices films are also available free On-Demand on digital Time Warner Cable, channel 144.

VIDEOS & STUDENT PROFILES

• Videos
• 2011 Profiles
• 2010 Profiles
• 2009 Profiles

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION INFO

Application submission for Reel Voices 2011 is now closed. Thank you and best of luck to all applicants!

Reel Voices is open to any high school student in San Diego County, including graduating seniors. Students do not need prior filmmaking experience, but they do need reliable transportation.

PARTNERSHIPS

The San Diego Asian Film Foundation partners with another local nonprofit agency, A Reason to Survive (ARTS), for the Reel Voices program. ARTS serves thousands of children and teenagers facing challenges using multiple forms of art. Reel Voices classes will take place at the ARTS facility in Liberty Station. The partnership will allow more students-in-need to participate in Reel Voices, revealing their personal stories and hardships on digital media.

We are especially grateful for our partnership with Bank of America, the presenting sponsor of Reel Voices, who shares our commitment to giving young people a voice through this program. LG Mobilecomm has also provided additional funding to keep this program alive during the most difficult economic times.

STUDENT QUOTES

"…Going in with no background in film, everything from how-to watch a film to how-to make a log line (or two) to filming and editing was new to me; I couldn't have dreamed up a better first experience!"
     an excerpt from an SDAFF blog post by Marissa Dodds, Reel Voices class of 2011

"This internship cemented my passion to become a filmmaker and was one of the major reasons I got into film school."
     - Adam Lee, Reel Voices class of 2007, Film student at Loyola Marymount

"Reel Voices made my dream to become a filmmaker more realistic and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to tell stories through film."
     -Harrison Tong, Reel Voices class of 2008

"Reel Voices opened the light to my dark world allowing me to find myself as an individual, giving me the opportunity to use media to communicate my message. This program has been one of the biggest challenges that I had to go through."
     - Joska Charles, Reel Voices class of 2008