Kids Video Connection Teaches Local Youths How To Work In Media, Film Industry
Kids Video Connection is an Atlanta nonprofit that specializes in teaching video production and media literacy to local youths.
This June, the organization is hosting its annual Children’s Film Festival, featuring online workshops and screenings of films made by kids.
Alesia Johnson, the founder and CEO, joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes via Zoom to talk about Kids Video Connection and the skills kids can access through the program.
“The key thing that we’re teaching children is the video production process. … We teach them media literacy concepts. And one of the key concepts is that all media messages are constructed to influence you to think a certain way, to gain power or money. So we want the children to understand that you have to be very selective of the media messages that you listen to because they affect your thoughts.”
The nonprofit aims to bring video production skills to kids from underserved communities.
To this end, prior to COVID-19, the organization provided free monthly workshops at the DeKalb County Public Library. This year’s free, online and virtual film festival showcases the works produced during the workshops, and it will also offer unique festival workshop opportunities, including projects in animation, filmmaking, acting and even ventriloquism.
“We have a 6-year-old this year. I think [his film is] called ‘Vampires Can Dance.’ He was just so excited. He came up with the idea … Our theme for this year is ‘Expand Your Imagination.’ We just want children to have the opportunity to learn and grow — and be creative.”
This year’s Kids Video Connection Children’s Film Festival takes place from June 10 to 27. Listeners can learn more about Kids Video Connection and register for the festival at kidsvideoconnection.org.
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