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Program 07 · Film · Education

Youth in
Film.

The Next Generation of Storytellers. In the Classroom.

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StatusActive — 10 Students Currently Enrolled
FormatIn-Person · School Partnerships
DurationFull School Year
Cohort Size25 Students
Grades7–12 · Philadelphia Public Schools
Cost to StudentsNone — For-Credit Class

Film education
for every student.

Youth in Film is a year-long film and television production curriculum designed to equip students with hands-on experience in film and television making while integrating academic skills in Math and English Language Arts (ELA). By the end of the program, students will have produced an original 5-minute short film — directed by students and centered on authentic teenage experiences in Philadelphia.

Youth in Film is HEARTH™'s most direct expression of the educate pillar of its mission. It reaches students before they have been told that film and television making is not for them. Youth in Film alumni become the next generation of HEARTH™ program participants when they reach 18.

Concept development, scriptwriting, and pre-production planning
On-set production — camera, lighting, sound, and direction
Post-production — editing, color, and sound design
Math integration — budgeting, scheduling, and production math
ELA integration — screenwriting, story structure, and critical analysis
End-of-year film screening for family, school, and HEARTH™ community

Who can participate

  • Enrolled in a participating Philadelphia public school
  • Grades 7–12
  • Interest in film and television making, storytelling, or creative media
  • Enrollment through the school's standard registration process
  • No prior film and television making experience required — all welcome
// School Partnerships

HEARTH™ partners directly with Philadelphia public schools to deliver this program as a for-credit class. If you're an educator or administrator interested in bringing Youth in Film to your school, reach out.

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Featured short film.

HEARTH™ · Youth in Film Presents
"Time
Lock"
A HEARTH™ Youth in Film Production

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// Student Short Film

"Time Lock"

Runtime: 12 min
Genre: Drama / Thriller
Year: 2025–2026

A Philadelphia teenager discovers a mysterious object that forces her to confront the moment that changed everything — but time is running out.

Produced By

Students enrolled in HEARTH™ Youth in Film — Philadelphia Public Schools, Grades 7–12

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