The White House, AFI, and Participant Media, Celebrate Young Storytellers at Second Annual Student Film Festival

The White House and the American Film Institute in collaboration with Participant Media's TEACH campaign announced today that the second annual White House Student Film Festival will be heldMarch 20 and 21, 2015in Washington, DC.

Premiere screenings of 15 films selected from more than 1,700 submissions by K-12 filmmakers from across America will explore the theme of "The Impact of Giving Back."

These inspiring shorts showcase the power of compassion, the importance of educators, the influence of service on our communities, the necessity of environmental preservation and the significance of mentoring as a means of positive guidance. The March 20 event inside the White House will be streamed live at WhiteHouse.Gov/Live.

In addition to screening the 2015 Official Selections in the East Room on March 20, the festival will continue with an expansive second day at the Newseum onMarch 21that will feature encore screenings of the selected films as well as additional finalists, break-out sessions with motion picture professionals, mentorship opportunities and workshops on various aspects of film production.

"The American Film Institute was born in the White House Rose Garden with a mandate to nurture young men and women wishing to pursue the art form as their life's work," said Bob Gazzale, AFI President & CEO. "Fifty years later, we continue to look to the future, and we are proud to do so in partnership with the White House – as we encourage the next generation of storytellers to share their tales well told."

Participant Media, a global entertainment company focused on inspiring social change, joins AFI's collaboration with the White House this year for the two day student film festival and workshop as part of its TEACH campaign, inspired by Davis Guggenheim's documentary filmTEACH,which will be screening at the festival.

The TEACH campaign encourages young students to give back by pursuing a career in teaching and highlights the positive impact our nation's teachers have on future generations.

"We're honored to be a part of the White House Student Film Festival this year and to be collaborating with such an influential educational arts organization like the American Film Institute," said Jim Berk, CEO of Participant Media. "We're committed to supporting great teaching and aspiring educators. Teachers are not only mentors, they are innovators and through TEACH, we hope to inspire the next generation of teachers."

Information about the public screenings and discussions onMarch 21will be posted on AFI.com.

More information about the White House Student Film Festival can be found at WhiteHouse.Gov/FilmFest.

Participant Media (ParticipantMedia.com) is a global entertainment company founded in 2004 by Jeff Skoll to focus on feature film, television, publishing and digital content that inspires social change. Participant's more than 60 films include GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK, SYRIANA, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, FOOD, INC., WAITING FOR "SUPERMAN," THE HELP, CONTAGION and LINCOLN.

Participant launches campaigns that bring together government entities, foundations, schools, and others to raise awareness and drive people to take action on issues from each film or television show. Pivot (pivot.tv/), the company's television network, is available nationally in 47 million homes, with a diverse slate of talent and a mix of original series, acquired programming, films and documentaries.

TakePart (TakePart.com) is Participant's digital news and lifestyle magazine and social action platform for the conscious consumer. Through its films, social action campaigns, digital network, and its television network, Participant seeks to entertain, encourage and empower every individual to take action.

American Film Institute, AFI, is America's promise to preserve the heritage of the motion picture, to honor the artists and their work and to educate the next generation of storytellers.

AFI programs include theAFI Catalog of Feature Filmsand theAFI Archive, which preserve film heritage for future generations; the AFI Life Achievement Award, the highest honor for a career in film;AFI AWARDS, honoring the most outstanding motion pictures and television programs of the year;AFI's 100 Years…100 Moviestelevision events and movie reference lists, which have introduced and reintroduced classic American movies to millions of film lovers; year-round and special event exhibition through AFI FEST presented by Audi, AFI DOCS and theAFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center; and educating the next generation of storytellers at the world-renownedAFI Conservatory.

For more information about AFI, visit AFI.com or connect with AFI at twitter.com/AmericanFilm,facebook.com/AmericanFilmInstitute and youtube.com/AFI.

Haute Tease

  • Sean John Sportswear To Renew Exclusive Agreement With Macy’s Inc.

    Sean John, the contemporary fashion lifestyle company, and Macy's, Inc.,  announced today that they have renewed their agreement under which Macy's will continue to be the exclusive U.S. department store retailer for thesportswear line. 

     
  • The French Dispatch Review – An Entertaining Homage to Publishing

    The French Dispatch, from Searchlight Films, brings to the screen the avant-garde bohemian life of 1960s Paris, as told by journalists on assignment for the magazine The French Dispatch, as they present the story behind the words.

     
  • Wine, Spirits, Epicurean: Luxury Wineries to Visit in 2023

    Luxury wines, picturesque views, and five-star cuisine—the U.S. is home to many locations that offer these delights. To help you plan your 2023 trip, here is a list of top luxury wineries you must visit.  

  • Home, Décor: Why You Should Hang Custom Artwork in Your Home

    Hanging artwork in a home is a beautiful way to express personal style and make the space both unique and comfortable. Investing in custom artwork takes that self-expression, uniqueness, and style to the next level.

     
  • Arrests Made in Execution Style Ohio Murders

    Arrests were made today in the April 2016 Pike County Ohio execution style murders of eight members of the Rhoden Family who were massacred in three separation locations, while they slept, Ohio Governor Elect Mike DeWine announced.

     
  • La Tunisie, Espoirs Déçus

    Pays spolié des espoirs nés du Printemps arabe de 2011, la Tunisie suscite l'intérêt des capitales européennes à plus d'un titre. Car déstabilisée, un des remparts contre l'islamisme radical se briserait. Explications.