NEWSLETTERS

A MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE MARTINO

Hello Everyone!

It has been awhile since our last update and there is so much to share with all of you. But first, I’d like to welcome the new Fall season with open arms as we all enjoy cooler temps here in South Florida, we truly live in paradise! To all of FFI’s friends, family, fans, students/staff – and the world… let us all hope for peace, abundance, health and calm. I believe it is imperative to be as present & positive each day as much as possible while looking forward to an exciting and bright future ahead.

With that being said, I am still amazed that FFI is now in its 31st year of production! It is astounding to be a part of an award-winning organization that is constantly being recognized for its talented participants who are creating beautiful pieces of work – all while promoting imagination and dedication to the filmmaking craft. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead FFI – and we all know that there is no “I’ in TEAM.

The past 22-23′ school year was spectacular and the recent summer film camp program was an unbelievable success (the students produced two great films – but more about that later in this newsletter)! Currently, FFI is once again in major production mode with the after-school CINEMA program projects. The class curriculum and layout of schedules has been slightly revised as we continue to apply the feedback of students/parents to improve the CINEMA structure.

FFI has been able to purchase new state-of-the-art camera equipment with funding provided by The Children’s Trust. The students and my own crew of biz pros will be creating some cinematic film projects in the near future.

Please read below for additional updates and amazing news about the past, present and future!

As mentioned on our social media platforms prior to the start of the 23-24′ school year, FFI selected 3 M-DCPS high schools to work with. Unfortunately, one of the sites was unable to align with our rigorous year-long production schedule. At this time we have 2 sites: John A. Ferguson Senior High School and William H. Turner Technical Arts High School. However, a 3rd site will be added in the coming weeks – please stay tuned for that announcement.

Our fantastic students recently completed filming their Haiku films and are in the editing phase of production. Next up they will explore screenwriting – and before this semester ends CINEMA participants will form teams and prepare for production on their narrative short films.

2023 Summer Film Camp Update

The “sold out” summer film camp was produced @ The Coral Gables Art Cinema mid June to the end of July. This was the biggest group of kids (ages 13-18) we have worked with in the summer program and it was a fantastic experience for all. The students produced/directed/edited two projects “ARAGON VALLEY” and “KNEES”. These films are now being submitted for consideration near and far! Stay tuned for updates on their progress as they make their way around the worldwide film festival circuit!

The premiere for the two SFC films was held @CGAC on September 23rd followed by an informative Q & A session with the student filmmakers. The event was a wonderful celebration/reunion and everyone enjoyed catching up and reminiscing about their creative experiences at film camp.

Thanks to all who attended – and if you would like to check out some of the event pics on FB or IG click the buttons below:

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We hope that many of the camp participants will join us again next summer for more adventures in filmmaking!

NEW FFI STAFF MEMBERS

Film Fest News

It is always inspiring when we submit the CINEMA projects to local, state and nationwide film festivals and receive the best accolades for all of the hard work our students have put in. Many of the films have been screened and/or are currently in consideration of being showcased on a global scale. We are beyond thrilled and extremely proud of our student casts/crews. Here are some of the recent highlights about the narrative shorts – these include the Summer Film Camp (2022) and After-School Program short film projects (22-23′). For additional info (and FFI’s history) you can go directly to our website and read about all of the film fest news:

FFI CINEMA History

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT : Jamil Martinez

Jamil Martinez

What CINEMA did for me…

Cinema gave me direction. Growing up without a strong father figure I found my role models in the main characters of our favorite movies.

What FFI did for me…

FFI is the only environment in south Florida that supports us storytellers. It’s a community where you can go to share your story if it’s worth sharing.

Current Update…

I work for one of the top media-consulting startups in the country- “Valuetainment.” Most of my time is spent with CEO’s and Founders who are looking to scale their business without missing on exit multiples. Currently we are consulting for another media company who is exiting for 1.3 Billion dollars.

Storytelling is one of the skills most founders pass over because they are usually stuck in the day to day. Mastering this skill is the only way to stand out in the competitive world of business. Facts tell but stories sell. My vision is to work with media companies around the world from inception to exit while producing stories here in South Florida along the way. If that sounds like you please connect with me!

Jamil On IG Jamil On LI

INSTAGRAM + FACEBOOK

Follow FFI on our INSTAGRAM + FACEBOOK pages to check out some awesome behind the scenes production pics:

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DONATIONS TO OUR ORGANIZATION

FFI is always seeking financial and in-kind support. In the event that you would like to donate dollars (or maybe just some sense!) please click HERE or contact the FFI office directly and speak with Stephanie.

Sponsored By

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts, and with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, The Children’s Trust, a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County, Miami Dade College North Campus, School of Entertainment & Design Technology (SEDT) and Coral Gables Art Cinema.