WDI Short-Documentary Premiere: A Celebration of Emerging Filmmakers

Experience an inspiring evening showcasing short documentaries created by emerging filmmakers in the Workforce Development Initiative (WDI) program, a paid internship opportunity and 6-week video production training made possible by the City of San Diego Libraries Media Arts and the Center San Diego.

Each filmmaker explored personally significant common spaces in San Diego, creating a 3-5 minute documentary. Neighborhoods highlighted include City Heights, La Jolla, Normal Heights, San Ysidro, Mission Bay, Balboa Park, and more.

This free event is open to filmmakers, their families and friends, Media Arts Center San Diego alumni, and the San Diego Public Library community. Join us for a red carpet experience, potluck, film screening, and Q&A with the filmmakers!

📅 Date & Time: Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Central Library | Neil Morgan Auditorium, 330 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ Tickets: FREE | RSVP required

🕒 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM | Opening Reception & Potluck + Red Carpet Interviews
🎬 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM | Short Film Screenings (16 films by 18 filmmakers)
🎤 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM | Q&A with Filmmakers

🥗 Potluck Details: Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish or snack to share!

The Workforce Development Initiative (WDI) is a 3 to 6-month paid internship program designed for young adults (ages 18-29) to gain hands-on experience in video production. The program includes:
🎬 Paid internship with the City of San Diego ($17-$21/hr)

🎥 6-week filmmaking training at the Media Arts Center San Diego
💰 $550 stipend for training completion

WDI alumni have gone on to showcase their work at film festivals and pursue careers in the film industry.

Meet the Filmmakers:

• Catalina Isabella Nava
• Chase Mitchell Paparotti
• Eleanor Louise Thornes
• Fernando Figueroa Vasquez
• Gabriel Larrinaga
• Jamie Wilson
• Leslie Talamantes Munoz
• Luis Varela
• Melissa Andrea Flores Cabrera
• Megan Marie Sweeney
• Nicolas Katzen
• Ocean Reign Dawson
• Raul Ricardez
• Stephanie Macias-Carey
• Sydney Abigail Villa
• Tuan Nguyen Anh Le
• Tyler Wenchong Guan

This event would not be possible without the dedication and support of the San Diego Public Library and the Media Arts Center San Diego. Their commitment to fostering emerging talent and providing accessible arts education has empowered our trainees to develop their storytelling and filmmaking skills.

A heartfelt thank you to the Media Arts Center San Diego team:
🎬 Ethan Van Thillo – Executive Director
🎬 Seth Gadsden – Programs & Grants Manager
🎬 Edwin Cruz & Mizar Martin – WDI Training Instructors

And to the San Diego Public Library team for their invaluable support:
📚 Oscar Gittemeier – Program Manager for Innovation & Community Engagement
📚 Kirby Pivirotto – Administrative Aide II, Staff Training & Volunteers
📚 Rachel Mink – Arts Management Associate

Your dedication to education, creativity, and community storytelling has helped shape the next generation of filmmakers. Thank you for making this program and event a success! 🎥👏

Host or Publisher Edwin Cruz