The Nobis Project offers innovative youth development initiatives that promote change in both the individual and their community.

Using Digital Media to Make a Difference

In 2011 the first Nobis Project Film Festival was held in partnership with Telfair Museums in Savannah, Georgia. Over 100 Savannah youth filmmakers from twelve schools and from grades ranging from fourth through twelfth submitted over 35 entries. This festival celebrates the use of digital media as a tool for youth to explore social issues that affect the community, both locally and abroad. We hope to expand the festival in future years to include students from across the country.

We are thrilled with the growing momentum of the festival. The process of filmmaking is an ideal format for youth to become researchers on issues they feel are important and relevant to their lives. And in turn, it is an ideal medium to inform others about what they have learned. Hosting the film festival allows us, as a community, to celebrate the hard work and creativity of our young citizens and to learn from them. It is our hope that the screening of youth work inspired viewers to take action as a result of viewing the films.

This has been an inspiring experience for many of the filmmakers. Two fifth grade filmmakers said they were inspired to create their film, “The Pollution Project,” because of “the litter and pollution in our city.” They added, “We hope this project will inspire people to take care of our Earth. Also, making this project even inspired us to recycle more.” Another fifth grade student who created the film, “Together, We Can Make the Right Choice,” shared that, “This message is very personal and meaningful to my heart. I hope that when I have children, the earth is in better condition than it is now.”

In addition to the festival, two weeks of the Nobis Project Digital Media Institute were held in the summer of 2011 for aspiring digital media artists. This summer program, held in partnership with Meddin Studios – Savannahs premier video production facility, permitted students from fifth through twelfth grades to gain valuable experience in digital media by providing an atmosphere of fun and collaboration focused on personal, social and artistic growth. As a team, students participated in a group media production that supported the Nobis Project’s commitment to promoting social issues that affect our community. Students developed confidence in their capabilities through technical digital media training tailored to bring out each individual student’s strengths.

The program is designed to inspire and motivate students and encourages curiosity, creativity, and discovery. The program uses cooperative and hands-on approaches to teaching media techniques ranging from animation, documentaries, narratives, music videos, digital slideshows to public service announcements. The Institute encourages students to be aware of the world around them and to consider possible solutions to difficult problems by using digital media. Participants rise to the challenge, take ownership in developing a digital media project and acquire pride in their ability to make a difference. This annual program concludes with a screening event of participant work. Nobis Project Digital Media Institute provides wonderful opportunities for motivated young citizens to build on their strengths and discover their passions.

View the 2011 Nobis Project Film Festival and Digital Media Institute films:

2011 Nobis Project Film Festival

2011 Nobis Project Digital Media Institute

Interested in submitting to the 2012 Nobis Project Film Festival? Click here for more information!

Interested in attending the 2011 Nobis Project Digital Media Institute? Click here for more information!