TAKE ONE YOUTH FILM MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
The “Take One” Youth Film Mentorship Program, powered by The Philadelphia Film Factory (Philm Factory) in partnership with We Embrace Fatherhood, provides local youth—particularly underrepresented youth in Philadelphia—with educational opportunities, workforce development, and mentorship in the film and media industry. With a strong focus on youth violence prevention and mental health awareness training, our program equips participants with creative education, career training, and personal development to help them build a safer, healthier, and more promising future. By offering positive alternatives to street violence, we aim to empower young people with tangible skills, industry exposure, and professional guidance. Additionally, our program integrates mental health awareness training to help youth navigate the emotional and psychological challenges they may face, ensuring they are supported both creatively and personally.
Filmmaking is such a dynamic field because not only does it include being creative, but it also involves life skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, communication and leadership skills, mathematics and budgeting, strategizing, and team building. Additionally, our youth participants will have the opportunity to build their public speaking skills and learn to be solution-driven when challenges arise. After all, filmmaking is all about working with multi-functional teams and problem-solving to create the finished product: a film!
2024 TAKE ONE YOUTH “GALAXY” SCREENING
The “Take One” Youth Mentorship Program took center stage on September 23, 2024, at the Academy of Natural Sciences, where participants premiered their short film *Galaxy* in a dazzling screening event that also featured an unforgettable award ceremony. A crowd of around 400 attendees lined up, eagerly awaiting the chance to experience the magic on the big screen. After the screening, the audience was treated to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, along with insightful interviews with the talented youth filmmakers, conducted by Philm Factory’s own *Youth Civics News* crew and anchors. The cast and crew shared their excitement, with the young filmmakers discussing the challenges and triumphs of bringing their creative vision to life. “It was hard work, but seeing it on the big screen made every moment worth it,” said one crew member, while another cast member reflected,
“This experience has opened my eyes to what’s possible when we collaborate and push our limits.” Parents were especially moved, with many expressing how proud they were to see their children, particularly the more introverted ones, shine on screen—opening up in ways they had never imagined. As the night progressed, the young stars celebrated their hard-earned achievements in a private VIP room, basking in the glow of their success. For many of them, it was their first time seeing their work—and themselves—on the BIG screen, making it an evening they would never forget!
APPLICATION DETAILS
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
NEW STUDENTS
Returning Students, please skip to the next section:
NEW STUDENTS: (COHORT 3)
To apply for our Take One youth film mentorship program, please complete the application for Cohort 3 by selecting the button “New Students” and submit it by March 16, 2025. Cohort 3 will run on Monday’s for 5 weeks from March 31, 2025 – April, 28, 2025. All cohorts will join together for creative sessions and training on Friday, April 11th & April 25, 2025. The sessions will take place at Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) located in West Philadelphia at 3675 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104. The Friday sessions will take place at the Community Education Center (CEC) Theater located right down the street at 3500 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Parents will be notified in advance if the Friday location is CIC or CEC.
Mandatory Orientation will take place Sunday March 23, 2025, from 3:00pm – 4:30pm at CIC 3675 Market Street.
NOTE:
This is a two part program: Spring and Summer. Students from our spring program will automatically be enrolled in our summer program upon evaluations to continue. July 7th – August 3rd, 2025 (3 Days a Week: MWF, 2pm – 6pm).
RETURNING STUDENTS
RETURNING STUDENTS:
“Take One” Youth Film Mentorship Program | COHORT 1 & 2 (For returning students only).
To reapply for our Take One youth film mentorship program, please complete the application for Cohort 1&2 by selecting the button “Returning Students” and submit it by March 16, 2025
The Spring programming for Cohort 1 & 2 will start on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 and end April, 30th 2025. Cohort 1 & 2 will run for 5 WEEKS, 1 day a week on Wednesday’s from 4:30pm – 7:00pm; and all cohorts will will join together for creative sessions and training on Friday, April 11th & April 25, 2025. The sessions will take place at Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) located in West Philadelphia at 3675 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104. The Friday sessions will take place at the Community Education Center (CEC) Theater located right down the street at 3500 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Parents will be notified in advance if the Friday location is CIC or CEC.
Mandatory Orientation will take place Sunday March 23, 2025, 5:30pm-7:00pm at CIC 3675 Market Street.
NOTE:
This is a two part program: Spring and Summer. Students from our spring program will automatically be enrolled in our summer program upon evaluations to continue. July 7th – August 3rd, 2025 (3 Days a Week: MWF, 2pm – 6pm).