Unlocking the Power of
Learning through
Filmmaking

The Youth Cinema Project (YCP) is a signature program of the Latino Film Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. YCP uses filmmaking to engage students, strengthen academic skills, and foster personal growth. With four program options (YCP Signature, YCP AfterSchool, YCP Summer, and CTE Film Production Pathway), the in-school curriculum aligns with California ELA and Media Arts Standards and integrates 21st-century learning skills. Across all formats, YCP supports English development, social-emotional learning, and career readiness. Students gain confidence, build community, and share their work at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF).

YCP Program Options

YCP SIGNATURE

YCP Signature is a push-in, during school program where filmmaking mentors guide students through the process of creating a short narrative film. The program meets twice a week for 90 minutes throughout the school year, with curriculum aligned to English Language Arts and Media Arts state standards.

YCP AFTERSCHOOL

YCP AfterSchool is an enrichment program where students work with filmmaking mentors to produce short-form content such as public service announcements and a web series. The program meets twice a week for 90 minutes throughout the school year, and can be integrated with the schools’ comprehensive after school program.

YCP SUMMER

YCP Summer is an immersive 20-day camp that gives students the opportunity to work with filmmaking mentors to create short-form content. The program meets Monday through Friday for four hours each day, providing a focused and creative summer experience.

YCP CTE FILM
PRODUCTION PATHWAY

The YCP CTE Film Production Pathway is a two-course sequence aligned to CTE Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME) standards. Students begin with a Concentrator course that deepens their knowledge of film production and then move into a Capstone course, where they apply their skills to produce portfolio-ready projects. Throughout the pathway, students are guided by filmmaking mentors to gain hands-on experience, develop both technical and creative skills, and prepare for college and careers in the film industry.

ABOUT US

Our Beliefs

There is no limit on intellectual capacity and talent when opportunity is provided.
Student choice creates student voice.
A student-led, democratic development process fosters profound learning experiences.
Both individual and team reflection are essential for student growth, learning, and successful film production.
The student is the project, and the film serves as the medium.

Social Feed

This past Saturday, Edward James Olmos and Hector Chaira, Director of Education Programs, took center stage at the LAUSD SEL Symposium at East Los Angeles College! 📚🤩

Mr. Olmos delivered the keynote address, while Hector led a conversation with students, with both discussions centering on the importance of Social Emotional Learning through storytelling and film education. 🎬✨

#YouthCinemaProject #LAUSD #SEL #education #filmeducation

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This past Saturday, Edward James Olmos and Hector Chaira, Director of Education Programs, took center stage at the LAUSD SEL Symposium at East Los Angeles College! 📚🤩Mr. Olmos delivered the keynote address, while Hector led a conversation with students, with both discussions centering on the importance of Social Emotional Learning through storytelling and film education. 🎬✨#YouthCinemaProject #LAUSD #SEL #education #filmeducation

🎬✨ YCP Film of the Week: THE MARCH

From the imaginative filmmakers at Pajaro Valley Unified School District, THE MARCH takes us on a journey with students as they combat racism in their school.

👇 Watch the full film through the link in our bio and find out!

#YouthCinemaProject #studentfilm #fyp #filmmaking #shortfilm

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🎬✨ YCP Film of the Week: THE MARCHFrom the imaginative filmmakers at Pajaro Valley Unified School District, THE MARCH takes us on a journey with students as they combat racism in their school.👇 Watch the full film through the link in our bio and find out!#YouthCinemaProject #studentfilm #fyp #filmmaking #shortfilm

We’re hiring 📣 Join the Youth Cinema Project as a seasonal Summer Filmmaking Mentor and help students develop essential storytelling and creative skills through filmmaking.

💼 Part-time
📍 San Diego, CA

Apply now and help shape the next generation of storytellers.

🔗 Link in bio

#sandiego #sandiegoca #hiring #nowhiring #filmmaking

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We’re hiring 📣 Join the Youth Cinema Project as a seasonal Summer Filmmaking Mentor and help students develop essential storytelling and creative skills through filmmaking.

💼 Part-time
📍 Bakersfield, CA

Apply now and help shape the next generation of storytellers.

🔗 Link in bio

#Bakersfield #BakersfieldCA #Hiring #NowHiring #filmmaking

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LIGHTS… CAMERA… ACTION! 🎬✨

From May 29 to May 31, YCP students return to YCP@LALIFF at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood to premiere the content they’ve been working on all year.

This special YCP showcase features:
🎥 Short form content made by YCP filmmakers
🗣️ Live Q&As with YCP filmmakers
💪 Workshops and events led by industry professionals

👉 Link in bio to learn more about YCP.

#LALIFF #YouthCinemaProject #FilmFestival #Hollywood #fyp

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