When was the last time you were inspired by a 12-year old? I was blown away recently by a 12-year old filmmaker who made a short film on the transformation of hip-hop shown at BAYMN FEST. This young girl proved herself a natural cultural critic, commenting on the degradation of women and promotion of drugs and violence in hip-hop and rap lyrics today. I watched another powerful short piece produced by high school students about coming out to their parents. Watching the films screened at BAYMN FEST proved how important it is for youth to learn the power of filmmaking. Filmmaking is such an amazing tool for students to students to document, synthesize, and analyze the world around them and share their work with others.

Global Lives was thrilled to be apart of the first annual BAYMN FEST! The film festival showcased films produced by youth ages 12-24, a Transmedia gallery, DIY maker-space and handson workshops. Global Lives Leadership Committee member Scott Oller won 1st prize in the 21-24 age category for his film Rosetta. Rosetta beautifully captures the Long Now Foundation‘s Rosetta Project, and features Global Lives Board Chair Laura Welcher. The film festival was put on by the Bay Area Youth Media Network (BAYMN) with the San Francisco Public Library. Look out for next year’s call for entries in early 2014. For more information on how to bring filmmaking into your classroom sign up here.