FFI's CINEMA, Cinematographers in Education and Media Arts, program in local schools and community centers provides an empowering hands-on experience for students, offering them the opportunity to make their own films. CINEMA is a series of workshops that empower students with all the knowledge they need to produce a short film. Focused workshops provide an in-depth look at: script writing, location shooting, cinematography, acting on screen, lighting, directing, editing, sound, wardrobe, makeup and marketing. We encourage participants to explore the creative process of cinema as a means to increase self-esteem and develop decision-making skills necessary in any profession.

Since 1992, FFI has produced 65 short student films which have received 32 exciting awards in filmmaking. Including the John Muir Gold Award at the 2009 Yosemite Film Festival and in 2006 Best Florida Film at the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival. Awards for our student-made films have been given at the local, state, and national levels. The student films have been screened at 6 national, 9 regional and 19 local student film festivals and on HBO, Kid Flicks.

In addition to the long running CINEMA programs, FFI has recently developed the WORKSHOPS program targeting young adults and professionals who are interested in delving into the film industry. FFI produces two primary workshops: Crafting Scenes . . . Creating Actions, an intensive script writing workshop, and the Alternative Media Workshop, held in collaboration with Florida Media Market's Global Conference.