The Comox Valley Art Gallery’s Youth Media Project will present films from its last two sessions at a live-streamed presentation on Saturday, Sept. 19, thanks to a partnership with the Sid Williams Theatre.
“COVID-19 caused us to postpone the usual public event and final screening of these inspiring films produced by young people from our community,” said YMP team leader Krista Tupper. “We are delighted to be able to finally present this work, albeit in a different format than the past.”
The presentations will take place at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Only the filmmakers and invited guests will attend the screening in person, to respect COVID-19 protocols. Everyone else will be able to go the Sid William’s Theatre website to see the presentation live-streamed: www.sidwilliamstheatre.com/broadcast
The screenings will feature the latest original films created by participants in the Youth Media Project sessions that ran in the spring and summer.
The films cover a wide range of themes and topics. Each participant creates one personal film on a subject that is important to them and one film as a part of a work placement with various organizations throughout the Comox Valley.
“This has been a life-changing experience,” says Talia Ball, 19. “I have learned so many transferable skills and gained confidence in my abilities as a creator and change maker. The environment is incredibly supportive and I am impressed by the quality of work that everyone has put together in such a short time.”
“Being so young and wanting to go into the film industry, this program has given me a taste of what the industry is like,” adds Kailey Bernard, 19. “It encourages a professional and accepting space where all ideas and strengths are welcomed.”
The Youth Media Project is funded by Service Canada to provide training and skills in media production to young people aged 16 to 30. CVAG is currently accepting applications for the next Youth Media Project which will start in November.
To be eligible for the program, participants have to be interested in art and video, between the ages of 16 and 30, not attending school full time, not on EI and legally entitled to work in Canada. Participants will be paid a full-time minimum wage if accepted.
To apply, send an e-mail to Krista.cvagymp@gmail.com or drop off a letter of application to CVAG, at 580 Duncan Ave. For details, check out the YMP webpage: www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com/projects/youth-media-project.