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

🎬✨ YCP Film of the Week: THE IMPERFECT FILM

From filmmakers at Montebello Unified School District, THE IMPERFECT FILM takes us on a journey with two friends attempting to create their first film, will they succeed?

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

#YouthCinemaProject #StudentFilm #filmclip #Fyp #shortfilm

19 0

Open post by youthcinemaproject_ with ID 18135348025606713

🎬✨ YCP Film of the Week: THE IMPERFECT FILMFrom filmmakers at Montebello Unified School District, THE IMPERFECT FILM takes us on a journey with two friends attempting to create their first film, will they succeed?👇 Watch the full film through the link in our bio and find out!#YouthCinemaProject #StudentFilm #filmclip #Fyp #shortfilm

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

💼 Part-time
📍 Napa, CA

Apply now and help shape the next generation of storytellers.

🔗 Link in bio

#Napa #NapaCA #Hiring #NowHiring #Filmmaking

30 0

Open post by youthcinemaproject_ with ID 18108396115989121

We’re hiring 📣 Join the Youth Cinema Project as a Filmmaking Mentor and help students develop essential storytelling and creative skills through filmmaking.💼 Part-time
📍 Napa, CAApply now and help shape the next generation of storytellers.🔗 Link in bio#Napa #NapaCA #Hiring #NowHiring #Filmmaking

🎬✨ YCP Film of the Week: THE IMPATIENT ALIEN

From the creative filmmakers at Santa Paula Unified School District, THE IMPATIENT ALIEN takes us on a journey with two space teammates as they crash into a planet because of impatience. Will this accident teach them how to work together?

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

#YouthCinemaProject #StudentFilm #filmclip #Fyp #ShortFilm

40 0

Open post by youthcinemaproject_ with ID 18478650421103483

🎬✨ YCP Film of the Week: THE IMPATIENT ALIENFrom the creative filmmakers at Santa Paula Unified School District, THE IMPATIENT ALIEN takes us on a journey with two space teammates as they crash into a planet because of impatience. Will this accident teach them how to work together?👇 Watch the full film through the link in our bio and find out!#YouthCinemaProject #StudentFilm #filmclip #Fyp #ShortFilm

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

💼 Part-time
📍 Brawley, CA

Apply now and help shape the next generation of storytellers.

🔗 Link in bio

#Brawley #ImperialValley #Hiring #NowHiring #Filmmaking

26 0

Open post by youthcinemaproject_ with ID 18099262199266915

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

💼 Part-time
📍 Calistoga, CA

Apply now and help shape the next generation of storytellers.

🔗 Link in bio

#SantaRosa #Calistoga #Hiring #NowHiring #Filmmaking

40 0

Open post by youthcinemaproject_ with ID 18056754134513052