Finding Our Voices: A Virtual Filmmaking Workshop for Homer Youth

In partnership with The Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic Rec Room, this online filmmaking workshop hosted by See Stories will give Homer youth have the opportunity to channel their creativity, find their voice, and uplift their communities through the power of digital storytelling.

Aligning with the Alaska Children’s Trust’s vision for all Alaska children to grow up safe, healthy, and equipped to achieve their dreams, this workshop provides a supportive environment for participants to craft impactful stories while developing practical creative skills. Over the course of the virtual sessions, students will learn story arc, camera operation, lighting, audio recording, and video editing by creating their own 3-5 minute short film. Workshop instructor will foster a spirit of collaboration, uplifting and constructive feedback, and belief in every young person’s unique perspective and talents. The workshop culminates in a film screening that celebrates the next generation of indie filmmakers. Throughout the process, Alaska youth will gain confidence in their ability to produce films that spread awareness, understanding, hope and vision for their communities.

Find out more about the Rec Room at https://kbfpc.org/what-we-do/rec-room/

This workshop is funded by the Alaska Children’s Trust.

Workshop Details

  • February 19, 2024 - April 20, 2024

Instructors

Rafael Bitanga

Rafael Bitanga brings invaluable perspective and filmmaking expertise to the See Stories youth workshop program. As an alum of See Stories workshops and a proud first-generation college graduate of Cornell University, Rafael understands firsthand the power of uplifting young voices through digital media arts.

Now as a documentary director running his own production company Bitanga Productions, Rafael oversees See Stories’ workshops aimed at empowering youth to share their stories. Having led LGBTQ+ focused filmmaking programs and teen podcasting initiatives resulting in the acclaimed Alaska Teen Query Podcast, Rafael has a proven track record of guiding youth to produce media that spreads awareness and catalyzes change.