Community Outreach

Women in Film & Video DC ⟩ Community Outreach

Kids World Film Festival

kwfflogo (3)The KIDS WORLD FILM FESTIVAL has two parts. The first part includes an intensive Media Literacy Training Program that introduces fifth and sixth grade students to the concept of watching films and media with a critical mind. WIFV recognizes that children are being inundated with media images every day but have never been taught how to deal with those images in a critical way. WIFV sends volunteers into the schools to teach children how to be a “Junior Film & Television Critic” so they can discern the true nature of what they are watching.

The second part of the event allows the students to use their new skills at an international film festival. WIFV shows films that allow students to see the wonders of international films and the power of filmmaking to create social change. The students are able to view several short films and interact with the international directors.

The program promotes cultural understanding, conflict resolution, compassion, tolerance and peace. WIFV reviews approximately 100 films from around the globe and selects those that best reflect the human condition through the eyes of children. The films are presented either in English, a foreign language with subtitles, or with no words at all.

Image Makers Program

Image Makers Logo_FINALThe IMAGE MAKERS PROGRAM was started when most schools did not have media production classes and students didn’t have cameras in their back pockets.  Media professionals worked with a diverse group of high school students each year for 10 Saturdays and demonstrated careers in film and television. Students gained hands-on production experience while producing public service announcements for local charitable organizations. You can see some of their work here!

The schedules of junior and senior high school students no longer allow the hands-on Image Makers program to continue as an independent program.  To continue fostering the next generation of filmmakers WIFV works with high schools in the region to bring media professionals to those schools who incorporate their expertise into their media production classes.  Please contact director@wifv.org if you would like to suggest a school program that would benefit from this outreach.

High school students are always welcome to participate in any of the WIFV professional development and networking programs.