Five schools of L.A. Unified School District's lauded
film-education program, Beyond the Bell, to send participants
to five-day Hollywood event

Elementary and middle schools based in five communities throughout the L.A. Unified School District will send students' films to participate in the 12th annual What IFFF? Kids Film Festival and Film Camp, set for June 26-30 at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater in Hollywood.
Schools sending student produced films to participate in the fest and camp include Bernedo Middle School in Los Angeles, Griffith Middle School in East Los Angeles, Miramonte Elementary School in south central Los Angeles, Wadsworth Middle School in south Los Angeles and the San Fernando Middle School in the northern part of the city.
Each contingent of students has completed a film that's been entered in the awards competition that's part of the film festival. All novice filmmakers, theses students participated this year in L.A. Unified's lauded Beyond the Bell after-school program, which provides enrichment and tutoring programs to elementary and middle school students throughout the district in both after school and a before school programs. For the first time, Beyond The Bell offered a newly developed, cutting-edge program called Fresh I Filmworks, which teaches digital filmmaking skills to elementary and middle school students.
According to Dr. Suzanne Shoemaker, this program is revolutionary in terms of digital arts education because, "every participating young filmmaker can hold a camera and use the editing software. Technology has opened a window for all ages to be able to tell their own stories through a visual storytelling medium- it transcends language- even for an 8-year-old."
Using digital video cameras and musical recording and mixing equipment manufactured by Digital Blue, the students shot, edited and sound mixed all the films and accompanying soundtracks-and learned basic computer literacy in the process.
Says teacher Kim Turney: "There is nothing more rewarding than watching 60 elementary-aged filmmakers cooperating at 6:15 AM, before school even begins, to create their own animation- laughing and working together. That's the future. This is the 21st century."

The films will be screened at the Inside the Ford Theater, June 28, 2006 starting at 4 PM and the Awards will be given out on June 30, Inside the Ford at 4 PM. Young Filmmakers and Screenwriters are free and the general public is $5. For reservations call (661) 257-3131.

NEW HOME FOR WHAT IFFF? FEST/CAMP
The What IFFF? Kids Film Festival and Film Camp this year moved from its longtime roost in Santa Clarita to the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, with the festival expected to attract even more attention for the artistic submissions of its young filmmakers at the new venue.
"The quality and quantity of submissions have grown so tremendously over the years, and we believe our new, high-profile venue in the heart of the film industry well reflects this festival's strides," says Chris Shoemaker, the festival's founder and executive director.
The What IFFF Kids? Film Camp begins June 26 and will run 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily through June 30, offering a comprehensive course in digital filmmaking designed for different levels of experience for kids aged 8-18.
Each camp participant will complete a short film during the week, and there will be daily immersive experiences with film professionals. Areas of concentration include special effects make-up, stage combat and stunts, animation, voice over, action sports cinematography and acting. The price of $360 for the camp includes all admissions fees, lunch, materials and equipment costs. Applications for attending the camp will be accepted through June 22, 2006. For information, e-mail whatifffkids@comcast.com or call (661) 993-3152.
The kids' film and screenwriting festival runs simultaneously with the camp. The fest attracts scores of films from budding young filmmakers 8-18 years of age from around the world. The finalists in each category will be screened at the Inside the Ford Theater during the fest.
Festival categories include competition for drama, comedy, animation, documentary, sci-fi/ adventure and educational films, and screenplays.
What IFFF? Kids aims to boost media literacy among young people ages 8-18, offering hands-on experience in filmmaking that will empower young filmmakers to skillfully craft and create their own stories.
"The program helps youth to bridge generational and other divides and to communicate through film to a larger audience," says festival director Dr. Suzanne Shoemaker. "It encourages honest dialogue and helps young individuals find their own unique voice."
Some of the daily highlights of the 12th annual What IFFF? Kids Film Camp and Film Festival include:
- Etnies-sponsored demonstration of cinematography for action sports by the renowned Mike Manzoori, Monday, June 26
- Fight-scene choreography mentoring presented by the Academy of Theatrical Combat, Tuesday, June 27,
- Native American stunts presented by The Indian Stunt Association, Wednesday, June 28,
- Film Screenings, Wednesday, June 28, 4-6 PM
- Film screenings, screenplay readings, Thursday, June 29, 4-6 PM
- Film screenings and awards program, Friday June 30, 4 PM.
The screenings on June 28-30 are open to the public. Film Screenings admission is $5 per day for the general public. For information or to reserve tickets call (661) 257-3131 or e-mail ifamilyff@sbcglobal.net.
The John Anson Ford Amphitheater is located at 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. in Hollywood. Media requests for press credentials, interviews and/or photos and other visuals are welcome.