About Us
YCP History
1998
1999-2010
2010-2013
2013
“Youth Program” of LALIFF begins
Focusing on literacy
Students were invited to watch Spanish-language films while reading English subtitles
Latino Film Institute’s “Youth Cinema Project” (YCP) is officially founded by Edward James Olmos
2013-2014
2014
2022
Integrating film and literacy into a project-based learning program
YCP enters first school district with three classes in Southern California
YCP Alumni, YCP Fellowship, and YCP AfterSchool initiatives are established
YCP History
1998
“Youth Program” of LALIFF begins
1999-2010
Focusing on literacy
2010-2013
Students were invited to watch Spanish-language films while reading English subtitles
2013
Latino Film Institute’s “Youth Cinema Project” (YCP) is officially founded by Edward James Olmos
2013-2014
Integrating film and literacy into a project-based learning program
2014
YCP enters first school district with three classes in Southern California
2022
YCP Alumni, YCP Fellowship, and YCP AfterSchool initiatives are established
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL EMPOWERMENT
YCP students navigate the demands of filmmaking within a safe and supportive environment, which allows them to enhance their self-awareness and emotional regulation. As they work collaboratively to create a film, they develop strong interpersonal skills and greater empathy. This focus in social-emotional competence has earned YCP a Commendation from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, recognizing the program’s contribution to public health and its impact on some of the state’s most vulnerable youth.
EQUITY & PROJECT BASED LEARNING
YCP Signature curriculum is aligned with English Language Arts and California Media Arts Standards, while YCP AfterSchool and YCP Summer curricula focus on enrichment. Regardless of their academic history and what program they participate in, every student engages in writing from personal experience, learns the value of their voice, and how to advocate for their ideas both verbally and in writing. YCP’s young filmmakers tackle advanced concepts and apply them to their projects, all while working together and solving problems with their peers. This program goes beyond intervention, making each Youth Cinema Project student a filmmaker.
CREATING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY’S MULTICULTURAL FUTURE
Hollywood wields significant influence over cultural norms and societal perceptions, yet it often falls short in reflecting the true diversity of our society. Issues of equity and access have historically prevented underrepresented voices from being heard on Hollywood screens, limiting the spread of cultural understanding and acceptance. YCP addresses this gap by equipping young filmmakers with the skills, portfolios, and professional networks necessary for success in the industry. YCP students engage in filmmaking as early as 5th grade, and can continue to refine their craft through high school and college. This experience, combined with training from industry professionals, gives them a competitive edge.
Our goal is to provide students from underrepresented communities with audiovisual skills trainings, thereby enhancing their readiness for the entertainment industry. Ultimately, our program seeks to empower these communities and open doors to new opportunities for their youth.
CLOSING THE OPPORTUNITY GAP
YCP brings industry professionals directly into the most underserved public school classrooms across the state, partnering with school districts to integrate our curriculum from 5th to 12th grade. What sets our program apart is our belief in the students’ potential to meet high expectations. We guide them through the entire filmmaking process – from concept to screen – and culminate with screenings at the end of the year at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF).
COLLABORATION WITH SCHOOLS
YCP brings industry professionals directly into the most underserved classrooms across the state, partnering with school districts to integrate our curriculum into public schools from 5th to 12th grade. Each class is conducted twice a week in ninety-minute sessions throughout the school year. Unlike any other program in the country, our approach is not an after-school program; it is an in-class, push-in model. What sets our program apart is our belief in the students’ potential to meet high expectations. We guide them through the entire filmmaking process – from story development and production to post production – and culminate with industry screenings at the end of the year.
