Teen Film Fest: Stories of Justice, Healing & Youth Power
About this Event
About This Event
Young people have something to say — and we need to listen.
Join 5 Shorts Project for our Teen Film Fest, a youth-centered film screening and fundraiser celebrating the creativity, courage, and vision of Philadelphia teens.
This special event will feature short videos created by our school-year interns exploring social justice issues that affect teens in Philadelphia. Guests will also experience a short documentary produced by the Summer 2025 cohort of Bout Mine I Matter, our youth filmmaking program that gives teens the tools, mentorship, and support to tell powerful stories through film. Our Summer 2025 cohort was powered by the DAO DATA CoLab, the People's Media Fund, the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, the United We Heal Film Festival, and individual donors.
These are not just student projects. These are stories about the world young people live in, the issues they navigate, and the futures they imagine.
Through 5 Shorts Project programs, youth gain hands-on experience in camera operation, interviewing, editing, producing, storytelling, and public presentation. Our work uses filmmaking as a vehicle for creative expression, social impact, career exploration, and community connection.
Why This Event Matters
Philadelphia teens are often talked about, studied, judged, or spoken for. This event creates space for them to speak for themselves.
The Teen Film Fest is an opportunity for families, educators, artists, community leaders, funders, and neighbors to witness what happens when young people are trusted with cameras, guidance, and a platform.
Your attendance helps us continue providing youth with access to filmmaking education, mentorship, creative workforce development, community screenings, and storytelling opportunities rooted in real issues like violence, healing, identity, neighborhood change, and youth voice.
This fundraiser directly supports our ability to keep programming accessible for teens and families across Philadelphia, especially in Northwest Philadelphia and Germantown, where much of our work is rooted.
What to Expect
Guests will enjoy:
- A screening of short video projects created by our school-year interns
- A screening of the Summer 2025 Bout Mine I Matter group short documentary
- A celebration of youth filmmakers and their creative process
- Community connection with families, artists, educators, and supporters
- An opportunity to invest directly in youth storytelling and media education
Your Ticket Supports
Every ticket helps fund:
- Youth stipends
- Meals and snacks during programming
- Transportation support
- Film equipment and production supplies
- Teaching artists and mentors
- Public screenings and youth presentation opportunities
- Future cohorts of teen filmmakers
When you purchase a ticket, you are helping young people build confidence, technical skills, creative voice, and real-world experience.
Who Should Attend
This event is for:
- Families and friends of youth filmmakers
- Educators and school partners
- Community members
- Artists and filmmakers
- Youth advocates
- Funders and sponsors
- Anyone who believes young people deserve safe, creative spaces to be seen, heard, and supported
5 Shorts Project serves youth, emerging filmmakers, families, artists, educators, civic partners, and community members who believe in the power of storytelling to create healing, visibility, and social change.
Support the Next Generation of Filmmakers
The Teen Film Fest is more than a screening. It is a celebration of what becomes possible when young people are given the resources to tell their own stories.
Come watch. Come listen. Come support.
Your ticket helps make the next film, the next cohort, and the next youth success story possible.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 108.55
