Hello All,

FFI has accomplished so much thus far and the school year is almost over!

Our CINEMA students have truly been getting their creative juices flowing! In early December, Robert Morgan Educational Center shot their mystery/suspense thriller short film "Trapped." The shoot day was very smooth and the cast/crew had the time of their lives! And just a couple of weeks ago Felix Varela Senior High School students shot their dramatic film "The Final Chapter." It was a very successful production day for everyone involved! And last month at Alonzo and Tracy Mourning High School our CINEMA students shot their comedy "Miami Waves." It was yet another great experience for our staff as well as the students!

South Miami Senior High School and Booker T. Washington Senior High School are currently preparing for their film shoots next month. During the past couple of months, both of these schools have had a fun time learning about pre-production, film lighting, camera, sound and editing. Turner Technical Arts High School's CINEMA class has chosen the idea for their film and the writers are currently writing the first rough draft.

We are excited to announce the birth
of Cecilia Anne Slesnick

Film Festival Update

This past December, Coral Gables Senior High School's "The Clean Up" was selected to be screened at the Miami Short Film Festival in the Tomorrow's Filmmaker's Today Section. www.miamishortfilmfestival.com

Matching Donation Goal of $6,000!

Two anonymous donors have offered to give us $1500 each (a total of $3,000!) towards our non-profit organization and CINEMA program! But there is a catch...we have to match their donations by June 1st, 2011! We are very excited that this money will help our deserving student filmmakers! However, now is the time that we must ask for your help in reaching our fundraising goal! If you could possibly donate a minimum of $10 we would truly appreciate it!

Our CINEMA students love our program! Please help us to continue our mission of educating students in such a creative and unique way! Please help us meet our matching grant goal of $6,000 by donating anything you can by June 1st!

Thank you!

Watch FFI on “You Tube”

We've finally succumbed to the lure of Internet video broadcasting. You can now view the wonderful films made by our students online anytime you want. As a matter of fact we encourage it. The films are actually an ongoing anthology of the attitudes of the young people who make them, acting as a mirror of their environment, concerns and problems. Every film is compelling in its own way and most have won awards at film festivals across the country.

You’ll find us at: www.youtube.com/flfilm
See you there!

Join FFI on “Facebook”

For those of you who don’t know, FFI has its own Facebook page. It’s currently being filled with interesting content by our staff, instructors, students, and from contributors throughout the film community. In the coming months you’ll find videos, production pictures, blogs, and program information. Click on the Facebook logo above or CLICK HERE to visit our Facebook page and click on 'Like' to stay connected to FFI and see what exciting things are happening for our CINEMA students!