Youth FX films have screened at more than 40 film festivals across the country and around the world!
Highlights of our festival success has included being selected to screen and winning awards at Los Angeles Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, BlackStar Film Festival, Denver Starz Film Festival, Harlem Intl. Film Festival, CineYouth Chicago, DC Independent Film Festival, Heartland Film Festival and San Francisco International Film Festival. Some of our most successful festival films include: Falling, Inside The Ring, Make It Float, Food Fight, Life Is Grand, Tyler, It's Natural, Project One, Mama's Boy, Reach and Outside The Box.
Through these festivals and showcases, Youth FX students are also exposed to the films of other artists and become active participants in a community of filmmakers. Ultimately these experiences have become a motivating factor in creating a culture of high artistic expectations within the Youth FX program and deepening our student’s understanding of film as an art form. These festivals have also raised the profile of the Youth FX program exponentially and led to bigger opportunities for our youth filmmakers.
WATCH AWARD-WINNING YOUTH FX DOCUMENTARY FILMS
To see more Youth FX movies go to our Vimeo page: vimeo.com/youthfx
Inside The Ring (2014)
The story of Albany's city youth boxing program which is located in the Arbor Hill neighborhood in New York State's capital. Through the sights and sounds of the gym, and the words of longtime coach Jerrick Jones and the aspiring young boxers, we learn that there's more than boxing happening here at this vibrant community hub.
Directed by: Darian Henry & Imani Peterkin
Sound: Freddie Boehrer Editing: Richard Opaku
WINNER: CineYouth Chicago, DC Independent Film Festival, Derek Freese Youth Film Festival, Reel Expressions Film Festival, Heartland International Film Festival.
OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2014 San Francisco International Film Festival, 2014 Los Angeles Film Festival, 2014 Starz Denver Film Festival, 2014 Chicago International Film Festival, 2014 Tallgrass Film Festival, 2014 Roxbury International Film Festival, 2014 Harlem International Film Festival, 2014 DocUtah Film Festival, 2014 San Diego Kids Film Festival, 2014 Kingston Film Festival, 2014 WMHT TVFilm Season 6, 2014 Guam International Film Festival, 2014 National Film Festival for Talented Youth (Seattle), 2014 Woodstock Film Festival, 2014 Urban Media Makers Film Festival, 2014 Shadow Boxing Film Festival, 2014 Catskill Mountain Film Festival.
MARQUIS (2017)
The story of Marquis Dixon who was sentenced to 9 years in state prison for stealing a pair of sneakers, told through the perspective of his mother Aisha.
Directed by Darian Henry
Cinematography by Darian Henry & Maya Suchak
OFFICIAL SELECTION 2016 Harlem International Film Festival, 2016 Saratoga International Film Festival, 2016 Woodstock Film Festival, 2016 Adirondack Film Festival, 2016 Philadelphia In/Out Video & Film Festival, 2016 REAL TO REEL Global Youth Film Festival, 2016 Norwich Radical Film Festival, 2016 Afro Film Festival of Colombia, 2016 All-American High School Film Festival
Food Fight (2014)
Food Fight explores the challenges of eating healthy amidst inner city food deserts. By telling the stories of people who are growing their own food and engaging in the fight for food justice, this short documentary shows us that another way is possible.
Directed by: Ejanaii Clayton & Nyzeria Bush
Production Assistants: Musa Kanneh & Brendan Bequette
OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2015 Woodstock Film Festival, 2015 Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Festival, Moving Media Student Film Festival, 2015 Ballston Spa International Film Festival, 2015 Matsalu Nature Film Festival, 2015 Josiah Media Film Festival, 2015 Bay Area Children's Film Festival, 2015 Bangladesh Children's Film Festival, 2015 Show Me Justice Film Festival, 2015 Boston International Kids Film Festival,2015 Providence Children's Film Festival, Tilt/Shift Film Festival.
Make It Float (2016)
“Float” is the word young artist Taofeek Abijako uses to describe his works. Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, his cultural and family backgrounds influence the art that he produces. His unique perception of the world inspires him to apply his creations onto a variety of different canvases. Taofeek’s trademark as an artist is the lively and vibrant colors he implements. The unique shapes and designs he produces create art that “floats” on the canvas that he expresses himself on. “Make it Float” shares Taofeek’s story and how he intends to leave his mark on the world.
Directed & Produced by: Aden Suchak & Taofeek Abijako
OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2016 Tribeca Film Festival, 2016 Golden CINE Finalist, 2016 15 Minute Max Film Festival, 2016 All-American High School Film Festival, 2016 NFFTY Film Festival, 2016 Seattle International Film Festival, 2016 Berlin Fashion Film Festival
Finding Strength (2016)
This intimate and revelaing Youth FX documentary tells three intersecting stories about the impact of bullying on the lives youth in Albany.
Directed by: Maya Suchak & Darian Henry
Supervising Producers: Noelle Gentile & Bhawin Suchak
Cinematography: Maya Suchak & Darian Henry
Additional Camera: Imani Peterkin & Wylia Mcleod
OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2017 Scout Film Festival, 2016 Heartland Film Festival, 2016 15 Minutes Max Student Film Festival
Tyler (2012)
Tyler Rhodes, 17, of Albany, NY was stabbed to death on Saturday April 30th, 2011 during a fight with two teenagers at a city park. Tyler tells his story through the memories of his mother Stacey and the voices of young people who knew him. As we witness Stacey's grief as she struggles to piece her life together again, we hear from the voices of young people as they speak about ways we can prevent this type of violence from happening in their communities.
Filmed & Directed by Darian Henry & Imani Peterkin
Sound by Imani Peterkin
Editing by Darian Henry
OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2013 Chicago CineYouth Film Festival, 2013 Woodstock Film Festival, Reel Expressions Youth Film Festival, 2013 Urban Mediamakers Film Festival, 2013 Urban Victory Film Festival, 2013 Show Me Justice Film Festival, 2013 WMHT TVFilm Series, 2013 Proctor's Media Arts Festival, 2013 NY Shout Out!
