Empowering Next Generation Storytellers
Ten years. Hundreds of students. Zero dollars in tuition.
Making movies not only supports the creativity of our youth but gives them confidence to believe their stories matter and their voice has power.
$0 cost to families.
180 youth servced annually.
9 years running.
100% community funded.
future
filmmakers
2025 – Year Nine: Meeting Growing Demand
The Portland Film Festival’s Future Filmmakers program celebrated its eighth year of empowering young storytellers with free cinematic arts education. Founder Josh Leake, alongside a robust team of professional filmmaker volunteers and instructors, continued the program’s mission of providing hands-on filmmaking experience to youth across the Portland metro area. With steadfast support from Comcast NBCUniversal, Boys & Girls Club of Portland, and dedicated industry partners, another cohort of students completed the journey from concept to red carpet premiere. The program’s sustained success over nearly a decade demonstrated its vital role in nurturing Oregon’s next generation of filmmakers and creative voices.
2024 – Year Eight: A Legacy of Learning
The Portland Film Festival’s Future Filmmakers program celebrated its eighth year of empowering young storytellers with free cinematic arts education. Founder Josh Leake, alongside a robust team of professional filmmaker volunteers and instructors, continued the program’s mission of providing hands-on filmmaking experience to youth across the Portland metro area. With steadfast support from Comcast NBCUniversal, Boys & Girls Club of Portland, and dedicated industry partners, another cohort of students completed the journey from concept to red carpet premiere. The program’s sustained success over nearly a decade demonstrated its vital role in nurturing Oregon’s next generation of filmmakers and creative voices.
2023 – Year Seven: Technical Excellence
The Portland Film Festival’s Future Filmmakers program continued to thrive in its sixth year, serving a robust group of young filmmakers eager to tell their stories. Founder Josh Leake and an expanded team of professional filmmaker volunteers guided participants through the complete filmmaking process, from concept to premiere. With ongoing support from Comcast NBCUniversal, Boys & Girls Club of Portland, and dedicated industry partners, the program maintained its commitment to providing free, hands-on cinematic arts education to youth across the Portland metro area. Students once again showcased their completed films at a red carpet screening event, gaining confidence both as artists and public speakers.
2022 – Year Six: Continued Growth
The Portland Film Festival’s Future Filmmakers program continued to thrive in its sixth year, serving a robust group of young filmmakers eager to tell their stories. Founder Josh Leake and an expanded team of professional filmmaker volunteers guided participants through the complete filmmaking process, from concept to premiere. With ongoing support from Comcast NBCUniversal, Boys & Girls Club of Portland, and dedicated industry partners, the program maintained its commitment to providing free, hands-on cinematic arts education to youth across the Portland metro area. Students once again showcased their completed films at a red carpet screening event, gaining confidence both as artists and public speakers.
2019 – Year Three: Genre Filmmaking & Red Carpet Premiere
The Portland Film Festival’s Future Filmmakers program expanded into thriller and monster movie making, developing some of Oregon’s earliest young genre filmmakers. With an expanded instructor team and ongoing support from Comcast NBCUniversal, Boys & Girls Club of Portland, and returning industry partners, the program concluded with a red carpet screening event that drew a huge turnout. Young filmmakers presented their work to the audience and shared their experiences publicly, gaining valuable skills both behind and in front of the camera.
2018 – Year Two: Growing Impact
The Portland Film Festival’s Future Filmmakers program expanded in its second year, with increased participation from youth eager to learn the craft of filmmaking. Founder Josh Leake continued leading the program with renewed support from Comcast NBCUniversal and Boys & Girls Club of Portland. The same dedicated team of industry partners—NW Documentary, Koerner Camera, Ryan Artists (now Taylor Harris Casting), Ben Edwards Editing, and Derric Crucks Productions—returned alongside 30+ professional filmmaker volunteers to mentor the growing number of students.
2017 – Startup: A Vision Becomes Reality
Founder Josh Leake launched the Portland Film Festival’s Future Filmmakers program with funding from Comcast NBCUniversal, partnering with Boys & Girls Club of Portland to provide free cinematic arts education. The program brought together youth from the Boys & Girls Club and children of festival volunteers for hands-on learning. The inaugural year was supported by industry partners including NW Documentary, Koerner Camera, Ryan Artists (now Taylor Harris Casting), Ben Edwards Editing, and Derric Crucks Productions, alongside 30+ professional filmmaker volunteers who served as instructors.
Impact Statement
$0 cost to families. 180 youth served annually. 9 years running. 100% community funded.
Boys & Girls Club of Portland
Portland, Oregon
Native Arts & Cultures Foundation
Portland, Oregon
Archway Academy
Vancouver, Washington
Girl Scouts
Vancouver, Washington
Clackamas Community College
Oregon City, Oregon
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
Warm Springs, Oregon
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I sign up my child for Future Filmmakers?
Registration opens quarterly. Visit our sign-up form to register your youth for the program. The program is completely free and open to students of all ages. Space is limited, so we encourage early registration. For questions about eligibility or the application process, contact us at here.
What will my child learn in the program?
Participants receive hands-on cinematic arts education from professional filmmakers and industry volunteers. Students learn all aspects of filmmaking including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, acting, and editing. Past participants have created thriller films, monster movies, and other genres, with their work showcased at red carpet screening events where they present to live audiences.
How can I support or donate to Future Filmmakers?
Your donation helps us reach more youth across Oregon and Southwest Washington with free filmmaking education. Contributions support equipment, instruction, venue costs, and red carpet screening events. Donate at [link] or contact us about sponsorship opportunities. We’re also always looking for professional filmmaker volunteers and industry partners to mentor the next generation of storytellers.
Who can participate in Future Filmmakers?
The program is open to youth of all ages in Oregon & Southwest Washington. We have an initiative to expand into 25 additional states over the next three years. We partner with organizations like Boys & Girls Club and welcome children of volunteers. No prior filmmaking experience is necessary—just creativity and enthusiasm for storytelling!