CINEMA : Cinematographers In Education + Media Arts
FFI’s CINEMA (Cinematographers in Education & Media Arts) program brings hands-on filmmaking education to local schools and community centers, empowering students through creative expression and technical skill-building.
Participants gain access to state-of-the-art filmmaking equipment, including Blackmagic cameras, Audio equipment, lighting and editing allowing students to create original films using professional-level technology. Through a dynamic series of workshops, students receive comprehensive training in every stage of film production and leave with the knowledge and confidence to produce their own short film.
Workshop Focus Areas Include:
- Screenwriting
- Location shooting
- Cinematography
- Acting for the camera
- Lighting
- Directing
- Editing
- Sound design
- Wardrobe & makeup
- Film marketing
CINEMA encourages students to explore the creative process as a powerful tool for self-expression, self-esteem, and decision-making skills—abilities that translate to success in any profession.
Award-Winning Student Films
Since 1992, FFI students have produced 190 short films, earning 208 awards at local, national, and international film festivals. Notable recognitions include:
- STING – Winner 2025 Monte Carlo Movie Awards, Montreal
- Radio Robin – Winner 2025 Chicago Indie Film Awards
- I’M NOT A GAMBLING MAN – Winner 2025 Hawaii International Film Awards
- THE DIVINE TRAGEDY – Winner 2025 Florida Shorts
- Acceptance – Winner 2023 Austin Filmmakers Awards
- Cabana – Winner 2023 Washington Film Awards
- Internet – Winner 2022 Arlington International Film Festival
Student films have screened at 84 international, 171 national, 52 regional, and 39 local film festivals, and have been featured on HBO and Kid Flicks.
