Media Arts Council Film Initiative (MACFI)

Has your child ever wondered what it is like to write a film script, create a storyboard, perform in front of a camera, direct actors, light a set, or put it all together in an editing program? Whether their goal is to be in front of the camera or behind the scenes, area high school students get the chance to make and star in their own movies as part of the Media Arts Council Film Initiative, or “MACFI”.

MACFI is a film production class for high school students that combines the ageless art of story-telling with filmmaking. In small groups of 6-8, participants work collaboratively to form a production crew, learning:

* screenplay writing
* acting
* directing
* camera operation
* set lighting
* sound
* film editing

MACFI is a rich learning experience for high school students to tell meaningful stories of their life experiences while discovering the art of filmmaking.

During the 10-week course, students are under the guidance of professional instructor Hezekiah Lewis, award-winning filmmaker and Assistant Professor of Communications at Villanova University, and Darryl Ridgeway, a filmmaker and mentor.

Upon completion of the course, students invite their families and friends to walk the red carpet and enjoy a screening of their completed films on the big screen. This annual celebration of short independent film is held at the historic Media Theatre.

In existence since 2012, MACFI is a partnership between the Media Arts Council and the Media Youth Center. There are sessions in fall and spring. Classes are held in the Media Youth Center’s Strine Learning Center, 1 Youth Way, Media, PA 19063.

For more information or to inquire about scholarship opportunities contact the Media Arts Council (484) 445.4161 or exec@mediaartscouncil.org.

The 10-week class is offered every fall (September start date) and spring (February start date).

MACFI was formerly known as Media Youth Film Initiative (MyFi).