CINEMA (Cinematographers in Media Arts)
The primary goals of CINEMA are to teach young adults the art, business and science of filmmaking; to provide these participants a hands-on experience of making their own films in a realistic format that encourages them to consider filmmaking as a viable career alternative; and to explore the creative process of cinema as a means to increase self-esteem and develop decision-making skills necessary in any profession.

During each CINEMA series, instructors provide 12-14 two-hour workshops and one day of film shooting. In-depth workshop topics include script writing sessions that cover story arc, character development, grammar and vocabulary and general literacy; acting; directing; cinematography; introduction to the equipment used in filmmaking; and technical aspects of filmshooting, editing, and production.

Each group of students who participate in CINEMA perform all of the roles required to make a film. Each student writes a script for a short film. Then, the students as a group choose three of the film scripts to produce a full treatment. They select one film that will be produced by the group. Students audition for each job; lighting, filming, sound, makeup, wardrobe, director, actors, etc., that must be filled to make the film. The students must then secure a location for the film shoot and determine the logistics of location work. The students spend a day on location filming to produce a finished 5- to 10-minute film. The students work with FFI staff to edit and complete the film, and make copies for each student involved in the production. Students also enter their completed film into festivals and submit them to local cable stations.

FFI has worked in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS), offering our CINEMA program to students in Miami-Dade County. In addition to the schools, CINEMA has also been offered at the Miami Children's Museum, Miami Job Corps, AGAPE Family Services, City of Miami Mayor's Heart of the Parks summer program and some schools in Broward County.

Our program helps prepare students for a future in the film industry. There is a great need for skilled professionals in the field, and the workshop series will provide students with an introduction to career options as well as an understanding of the film industry, the various roles in film production and the practical skills needed in each area.