Visions to Reel: Instructors Assist in Transforming High Schoolers' Cinematic Concepts into Reality (Video)
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In the heart of Syracuse, New York, a unique four-week filmmaking workshop is making waves, bringing together City of Syracuse teens and local media artists. The "Teens With a Movie Camera" project, now in its latest edition, is a collaborative initiative that aims to empower high school students by giving them a creative voice and teaching them filmmaking skills [1].
The project is the brainchild of Mišo Suchý, an associate professor of film and media arts, Evan Bode G'23, an FMA instructor, and Lida Suchy, an adjunct in photography at Onondaga Community College. They are joined by senior multimedia producer, Amy Manley, who captures, edits, and produces the videos that bring the students' ideas to life [1].
The project is designed to foster the teens' imagination and storytelling abilities, encouraging them to explore personal and community issues through media arts. It provides a platform for teens to express their perspectives creatively and develop practical skills in film production in a supportive environment [1].
This year's films will debut at the ArtRage Gallery in Syracuse and be exhibited through March 2026 as part of the Syracuse Symposium series. Past projects have been exhibited at esteemed venues such as the Everson Museum of Art, Watson Theater, and ArtRage Gallery [4].
The project is supported by various local groups, including the Engaged Humanities Network, CNY Arts Inc., North Side Learning Center, Light Work, Urban Video Project, Syracuse City School District, Nottingham High School, Say Yes to Education Syracuse, Syracuse University Humanities Center, and is funded by the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement regrant program, Syracuse Symposium, and a grant from the Central New York Community Foundation [2][3][5].
Graduate Morgan Albano '25 is helping with the project while applying to law schools, and FMA alumnus Tevvon Himes G'24 and graduate student Shokoofeh Jabbari G'25, who are both pursuing film careers, are learning from the project [1].
Participant Laniya Tillie of Nottingham High School enjoys making little films and feels it helps her express her creative side. Shantell Shallo, a senior at Corcoran High School this fall, joined the project to make new friends and learn filmmaking skills [1].
Shokoofeh Jabbari, an international student, says her participation has helped boost her understanding of American culture and norms. The project includes a field trip to the University's Holden Observatory to see a telescope made in 1887 [4].
Mišo Suchý, the project's co-leader, says working with the teens informs his filmmaking research. A teaser trailer showcases the students' work and previews parts of the completed film [1].
Workshops occur four afternoons a week at the Shaffer Art Building, and the project's theme for the summer is "Our Place in Space," which explores topics and skills in both art and science [4].
The "Teens With a Movie Camera" project is more than just a workshop; it's a testament to the power of community engagement, empowerment, and the transformative potential of creative expression.
- The "Teens With a Movie Camera" project, anchored in education-and-self-development, empowers high school students by teaching them filmmaking skills and providing a platform for creative expression.
- Through technology, the project fosters the imagination and storytelling abilities of the participating teens, bridging the gap between art and science, and offering a supportive environment for self-discovery in film production.
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