AT&T and WarnerMedia Elevating Diverse Young Storytellers through Film Challenge

From social distancing to social justice, young filmmakers have a lot on their minds.

To help them develop media making skills and amplify their stories, AT&T and WarnerMedia are supporting Ghetto Film School’s nationwide film challenge, Film Credits.

The challenge launches today. Individuals ages 14 to 21 are invited to reflect on the current state of their world and submit stories of determination and action in the form of a short brief and three-minute video. They need to answer one question: How does it feel to be connected, right now?

Expensive film gear isn’t required. The Film Credits challenge welcomes content in many forms – including cell phone videos, animations and social media.

Those interested can apply here. Deadline to apply is August 28.

Come fall, a panel of judges will evaluate the content and select finalists, who will work with Ghetto Film School and industry experts to refine their work. Upon conclusion these impactful short films will be shared for all to enjoy.

"We want to find and nurture next generation of diverse storytellers," said Charlene Lake, SVP, Corporate Social Responsibility and Chief Sustainability Officer, AT&T. "Not only is it a moral imperative to lift up underrepresented voices, it's a foundational element of a modern media company. These young creators are mirrors of our society."

The Film Credits challenge builds on AT&T’s and WarnerMedia’s commitment to fostering the next generation of storytellers and increasing diversity in Hollywood. As the proliferation of social media and user-generated content have democratized media making – taking it out of Hollywood and into the streets – we’re committed to supporting organizations such as Ghetto Film School that are finding and fostering the next great young filmmakers.

"Over the last 20 years, Ghetto Film School has prioritized our resources towards leveraging the voices of young, inclusive storytellers," said Sharese Bullock-Bailey, chief strategy and partnership officer at Ghetto Film School. "Our partnerships with AT&T and WarnerMedia have helped pave the way for a variety of momentous opportunities for both individual students and GFS as a whole. We are grateful that we're able to contribute high-level support for this short film challenge during a time when creative outlets have proven to be the world-shaping platforms they are."

Founded in 2000, Ghetto Film School is an award-winning nonprofit working to educate, develop and celebrate the next generation of great American storytellers. Annually, the organization serves over 6,000 individuals ages 14-34.