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We are thrilled to announce our honorees for EVC’s June 8 Virtual Spring Benefit! Our theme this year is “Impact to Change,” and each of these three extraordinary individuals, in their own way, embodies what EVC strives for when we work to have an impact and make real, positive change: Chris Caraballo: is an EVC graduate and an actor turned photographer turned software engineer for Google. He has returned to EVC as an alumni leader and joined EVC's new Alumni Advisory Council. Haleeq Usman: born in Warsaw, Poland, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Haleeq’s journey from Section 8 housing to successful Adobe software engineer to EVC’s community is a story of resilience, family, and what happens when a young person with passion and depth is offered opportunities. Torrance York: Celebrating her 25th year as member of EVC’s community, Torrance joined EVC first as an educator in 1997, then went on to become a board member in 2001. Torrance’s commitment to and impact on EVC is incalculable. Join us on June 8th from 6:00 - 8:00pm ET for EVC’s Virtual Spring Benefit. In addition to celebrating these three honorees, we will be premiering two powerful youth-produced documentaries. We’ll see you there! Get your tickets and donate to support!

Did you know that 90% of executives in the cannabis industry are white, and only 7% are Black? As of today, there are 37 states with approved medical marijuana use, and 18 of those states and Washington, D.C., also have approved recreational use. And even in these legalized states, Black people are still arrested at higher rates than their white counterparts. But what does all of this mean? Join us next week, April 28th from 6:00pm-7:30pm ET where we explore that question at our next Docs & Dialogue where we’ll screen the 1998 youth produced film, Waiting To Inhale. Joining us are special guests Asia Alston, CEO of Happy Healing Wellness and Denzel Deranamie, a young filmmaker who started his production company after leaving college due to a marijuana possession charge. We’ll also be joined by EVC alum Maude Carroll, who produced the film. Docs and Dialogues is hosted by EVC alum Cirilo Ordonez and Raelene Holmes. This event is free and open to the public, so be sure to get your tickets today and invite your communities to do the same!

Ashley Woolcock, a 2021 YDW alum, traveled to Florence, Alabama with her mother, Stacy, to screen her group’s film Behind My Happy Face at the Lindsey UNA Film Festival held March 3rd-6th. The mother-daughter duo were both featured in the film, Ashley was a filmmaker who spoke about her experience with depression, and Stacy is a school counselor who spoke as an expert interviewee. We sat down with the both of them to talk about the festival and their time in Alabama. Betsy: What was your favorite moment from that weekend? Ashley Wright-Woolcock: The awards ceremony [...] It’s just nice hearing about other people’s films and how it might have touched whoever watched it. I was interviewed with a group of [youth filmmakers] … I got to hear three other people talk about their film and their process and what they went through and how they got to the point they did and how they mentioned the small things that their films might have touched on. Even just listening to the interviews and people’s speeches at the awards ceremony - it was a nice experience. It was so wonderful seeing everybody getting their awards, and talking about how their stories came to be. Betsy: How did it feel to present Behind My Happy Face to a new audience in a different state? Ashley: “I was always proud of the film. It was something big that took a lot of time and effort. And a lot of personal opening. We showed it to a small group of people, just friends and family basically. And it felt personal and close to my heart. And I felt like, “wow, I worked with a group of people to get this done and now people can see it. But when it was premiered [at the UNA Film Festival with] a group of strangers, I was like, “Wow. Our film went from a tiny little project to like, now people are sitting down asking me questions about [it], because to them, it touched parts of their personal life. And it felt like, “Wow! I felt proud and I felt like nothing could top this moment.” Betsy: What did you enjoy most about being at the festival? Stacy: Ashley was able to share about the process of making the film and answer questions post screening. Although we did not win an award in the Youth category we had a great experience and saw great talent and were met warmly by other participants and staff. Betsy: What was your experience like while in Alabama for the festival? Stacy: We had great folks attend to us. It was just short of a 1.5 hour drive from the Huntsville airport to Florence. Our driver was great - talked a lot. He felt it was important to tell us that we are in a Red state, that racism was evident and prominent and the voting history etc. He was definitely informed and was reading Critical Race Theory and trying to be an ally. Both he and his wife are committed to staying informed, not buying their home where people had been enslaved, etc. But everywhere we went there were strong historic narratives and Confederate pride. It was certainly NOT NYC. You can see the trailer for Behind My Happy Face below:

March 7th-11th is Civics Week, a time where schools across New York City celebrate youth voices, empower civic engagement, and encourage NYC’s young people to register to vote. To support this movement, we’re streaming our 2008 award winning, youth-produced film Journeys Through the Red, White & Blue all week. Blending humor, plain spoken language, civics lessons, and interviews with friends, family members, local political leaders and community activists, this engaging documentary puts a face on “the youth vote.” Journey’s was screened across the country to encourage young people to register to vote. It was also screened at the People’s Inaugural Ball to celebrate the historic election of our first Black President. You can read more about it here. We encourage all eligible young people across NYC to register to vote. Youth can register to vote online by visiting TurboVote to fill out a quick and easy, 5 minute form. You can watch Journeys Through the Red, White & Blue until March 13th:

Dear EVC Community, It’s been a while coming and… drum roll please!... here it is. The new: www.evc.org In these ever turbulent times, EVC’s updated website represents the bold path we are on, almost 40 years in! Our new colors, and modern design center the fiery strength and critical hope of our young people leading the future. The site ushers in a transformative period of growth, and innovation for EVC that is rooted in our history and values. As we build together, we want to keep you, our community, engaged. Check out: Our Young People and tell us your preferred terms, go back in time in our History section, and do not miss our powerful alumni stories. This labor of love took a village to produce. We are grateful to EVC alumni Iliana, Raelene, Cirilo, and Hailey; our consultant Bix Gabriel of TakeTwo Services; all of our staff and board reviewers; and to Floyd Rappy of Rappy Studios for collaborating on our new logo. Check out the site and let us know what you think! With gratitude, Ambreen, Brandon, Betsy, and Mohamed

EVC has a long history of youth-produced films working towards systemic change. Including the 2008 film Journey’s Through the Red White & Blue about the youth vote and the legacy of African American voting rights. EVC and our youth producers developed an outreach and advocacy campaign to screen the film, register voters of color and mobilize youth voters for the historic presidential election that year. Our youth screened the film in two swing states (Ohio and Pennsylvania) and in NYC alone they mobilized youth at 10 high schools (including 500 students at Urban Assembly Media High School), 6 colleges, and 8 organizations across 4 boroughs. EVC produced 600 DVDs and they were mailed to 14 states including NY, NJ, IL, OH, OR, VA, MA, MD, CA, MI, UT, PA, WI, SC. The film was also screened at the People’s Inaugural Ball at the Historical Society of Washington DC to celebrate the election of the first African American President.

Youth filmmakers look at how African American civil rights have progressed and regressed since the time of the civil rights movement. About this event On February 24, EVC’s Docs & Dialogue series presents an online screening of the 1986 youth-produced documentary Black History Month -- A Chance to Reflect. EVC’s young people examine the reasons that Black people’s contributions to US history have so often been downplayed by dominant discourses on American society. The film highlights the importance of understanding Black history as an integral element of US history, looking at Black thought, activism, and accomplishments as fundamental contributions to the world we live in today. Youth look at the ways that the cause of African American civil rights has both progressed and regressed since the time of the civil rights movement, and make an impassioned call for a history that truly represents all of society. After the film, there will be a community dialogue with youth filmmakers and guest speakers. Hosted by EVC alumni Raelene Holmes and Cirilo Ordonez, with guests including public historian Cynthia Copeland, filmmaker Ayanna Saulsberry, and Ambreen Qureshi, Executive Director of EVC. The event will be recorded. The series is free and open to the public. Please consider donating to support young people changing the world one documentary at a time! About EVC Presents: Docs & Dialogue: EVC Presents: Docs & Dialogue is a bi-monthly youth-produced virtual documentary screening and dialogue series led by EVC’s young people whose lives and communities are impacted by systemic inequities. These individuals share their stories about the world as they see it - with all its problems and possibilities. About Educational Video Center: Founded in 1984, the Educational Video Center (EVC) is a youth media organization that teaches documentary filmmaking as a means to develop artistic, critical literacy, and career skills of underserved young people, while nurturing their idealism and commitment to social change. EVC envisions a just and equitable world created by young people and the power of their stories.

Photos courtesy of Suan Lin The Ones Who Bought Bushwick was screened at the Mayday Space on October 28th, 2021. EVC Alum, MJ Small, participated in a Q&A to share his experience in producing The Ones Who Bought Bushwick with his Youth Documentary class. Having an audience of approximately 20 people created an intimate space with engaging conversations. MJ says that this was a great experience to share with his family, his girlfriend, and his friends. It was also an excellent opportunity to meet other Youth Film Makers. Congratulations to MJ and to all the EVC Youth Producers of The Ones Who Bought Bushwick!

Educational Video Center invites you: The young filmmakers of EVC are rising. Even after an unprecedented two years of relentless challenges, EVC’s youth leaders are responding with strength, resiliency, and an insistence on speaking out on the critical issues of today. EVC’s youth are rising, no matter what. EVC’s virtual Winter Cocktail & Youth Documentary Premiere February 2, 2022 from 6:00 - 8:00pm ET on Zoom We will screen 2 youth-produced films that lift up the stories, perspectives, challenges, and hopes of NYC's young people. Join #YouthRising Get your tickets and donate to support

This past year has been a challenging year for many, including us here at EVC. But despite the struggles, we’re grateful that the Educational Video Center is stronger than ever and still committed to changing the world, one documentary at time. To reflect on our past year in a pandemic, EVC reflects on our struggles, our successes and our growth. Mikey D. Rosa, Youth Documentary Workshop (YDW) Alum and Teaching Assistant Derick M., YDW Alum and Teaching Assistant Derick M., YDW Alum and Teaching Assistant The word I would use [to describe my past year at EVC] is worthwhile. At first, I only accepted this internship because I needed to find a job asap in order to help my family financially and that’s when I discovered EVC, through Independence High School. During my internship, I learned that EVC goes above and beyond to support anyone they can and create impactful/ amazing documentaries to share with the world. Everyone I have met at EVC has been so kind and amazing to work with that I couldn’t have asked for a better internship experience. Meeting so many amazing and talented people was something I never experienced and something that I will never forget. After ending my internship, I was still looking for another job and that’s when Kate, (my supervisor at EVC) presented the opportunity to be a teaching assistant. I accepted and learned even more along the way. Overall, I had an amazing time sharing my experience with other EVC youth producers by not only giving a helping hand, but also by helping Kate who has gone the extra mile to help me grow as a person and push me to realize my full potential. So thank you Kate/ EVC, ya’ll the best! Kate Levy, YDW Co-Director When the pandemic started, I was terrified that we would have to shut down our workshops. I couldn’t imagine how we would translate the important in-person work into a sterilized, isolating online environment. I was so worried that the collective practice of making a film or building a community would not translate. However, I learned that there were some benefits to working virtually. For example, we have also been able to bring voices from all over the world into our films. It was also exciting to explore how to document the times through the very modes we use to communicate–interviews conducted over zoom, and tiktok videos used to articulate research have a certain aesthetic specific to this moment in time. There is nothing like being in a room with students, and am very eager to get back in person, yet I am surprised that there were some silver linings. Rachel Brown, YDW Co-Director As one of the Co-Directors of Youth Documentary Workshop, I am most proud of the youth producers who were able to create two amazing films during the pandemic. Last Spring, when schools closed and our program went online, nine youth producers who were able to make the transition with EVC produced Living With the Enemy: Media, Mental Health & Me, an important investigation into how media coverage affects the mental health of young people living through the pandemic. I’m proud of how brave the youth producers were to open up to each other about their own mental health struggles, as well as make their conversations and video diaries part of the film for others to see. I believe the film helps to destigmatize the challenges many are still facing today. The film also has a sharp analysis of media coverage of our former president’s damaging behavior. In the Fall, 14 youth producers created What’s Gender Got to Do with It?, a progressive discussion on gender discrimination, featuring activists from the transgender community. Again, I saw the youth discuss difficult personal experiences, learn from each other and the larger community, and produce a touching, thoughtful and intelligent film. Shout out to all the youth producers!!! Tiffany Harrington, EVC Board Member Looking back on my work with EVC in 2020, I’m most proud of my fundraising efforts & expanding the EVC community to all my friends & family. Thinking back to when the pandemic hit last March, I was very worried about what impact the pandemic would have on the students in the documentary program. I certainly didn’t want the global crisis to deter them from following their dreams. There will always be things that happen on our journey that will be out of our control; this time it just hit everyone at once. I didn’t want the students to feel like their program was any less valuable because of these new circumstances. Documentary filmmaking becomes even more critical during times of social unrest and I wanted to do my part to uplift this community of talented creatives. I hit the fundraising campaign trail hard and I was even surprised myself at the outpouring of support. Clearly, my community felt the same way I did – they too understood the value of contributing to our youth program during a time when the world was shuttering. The success of last year’s program should be a testament to the power of EVC. Community is so important and I’m so proud to be a part of this one!

CELEBRATING OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS Since we first started teaching young people to make documentaries 30 years ago, we’ve focused on helping them tell powerful stories that can make a difference in their communities, and develop their critical skills along the way. On behalf of her team, EVC alum Raelene Holmes-Andrews accepts a Media for a Just Society Award for EVC documentary ‘Life Under Suspicion’ (2014). We were never in this line of work for the fame and red carpet walks. But we’re very proud nonetheless of the recognition that our students and staff have received over the years through many noteworthy awards (too many to list here) including the JVC President’s Prize in 1987, an Emmy Award in 1988, the Coming Up Taller Award in 2001, the Media That Matters Economic Justice Award in 2006, and the Media for a Just Society Award in 2014. Public recognition has come in many other forms as well, including commissions and pubic screenings at the Whitney Museum, the New Museum, the Brooklyn Museum and the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival, a front page feature in the New York Times Education Section, the selection by the Council on Foundations Film & Video Festival, an invitation to the White House, and a letter of commendation from US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. As we continue our year-long celebration of our 30th anniversary, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the many friends, family members, alumni, funders, filmmakers, educators, community activists, and government officials, who have supported and recognized our students’ inspired work and the dedicated staff who teach them. We hope you continue to join us in celebrating our success and accomplishments throughout our 30th year! CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS. Spread the word about EVC’s documentaries and youth media projects! Please click here to make a secure tax-deductible donation. EVC’s Youth Documentary Workshops and Professional Development Programs are made possible with generous support from: The Academy Foundation, The Brenner Family Foundation, the Brightwater Foundation, HBO, the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, the National Board of Review, the National Endowment of the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, the Partnership for a Healthier New York City, the Pinkerton Foundation, the W. Clement and Jessie V. Stone Foundation, The After-School Corporation, and the Milton A. & Roslyn Z. Wolf Family Foundation, and you.

THROUGH OUR EYES: Three Decades of EVC Youth Documentaries An EVC Retrospective Program 8: Youth Health & Healing When: Tuesday, March 4 3:30 – Student Screening – FREE w/ RSVP: tnavarro@evc.org 6:30 – General Screening – Buy Tickets At the FSLC Web Site Where: The Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center Amphitheater 144 West 65th Street (Between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue) HopStop Map for 144 West 65th Street Spanning three decades worth of extraordinary work, the EVC Retrospective Series captures moments in New York’s history through the fresh, but unblinking eyes of emerging teen filmmakers. With health care in the news, we kick off our third season with documentaries on three critical public health issues: teen smoking, environmental hazards, and youth depression. Breathing Easy: Environmental Hazards in Public Housing (2012, 23m) EVC youth producers bring their cameras to their fellow student’s mold-infested Harlem apartment, documenting their struggles with asthma and local environmental justice advocates’ efforts to help a family in need. A Clouded View (2011, 24m) An inside look at corporate marketing, stress and peer pressure that makes thousands of teenagers pick up their first cigarette everyday, what the addiction means to them and their families, and how community health workers at Harlem Hospital are helping them kick the habit. The War Within: Youth Depression (2009, 27m) Youth tell harrowing, yet life-affirming stories of their struggles with depression and the treatments they have found to cope with it. ********************************************** EVC is proud to partner with the Film Society of Lincoln Center to present the retrospective series, THROUGH OUR EYES: Three Decades of EVC Youth Documentaries. Each Program will be screened twice at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center Amphitheater, with an afternoon screening for school audiences and an evening screening for general audiences. Both screenings will be followed by a question-and-answer session with producers from the short films featured in the programs. To RSVP for the FREE School Screenings or more information on the EVC Retrospective, contact Theresa Navarro at Tnavarro@EVC.org. EVC’s Youth Documentary Workshop is a 15-week credit-bearing course that teaches high school students from across New York City to research, shoot, and edit compelling documentaries that examine community and youth-related issues. ********************************************** EVC’s Youth Documentary Workshops and Professional Development Programs are made possible with generous support from: The Bay and Paul Foundations; The Robert Bowne Foundation; The Brenner Family Foundation; The Brightwater Fund; The Gerald & Janet Carrus Foundation; HBO; Hyde and Watson Foundation; Jewish Communal Fund; National Board of Review; Open Society Foundations; The Pinkerton Foundation; W. Clement and Jessie V. Stone Foundation; Time Warner Foundation; The Wellspring Foundation; and The Milton A. & Roslyn Z. Wolf Family Foundation Teacher of Conscience Fund. EVC is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. EVC programs are also made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. In-kind support is provided by Benjamin Moore & Co, Claudia Giselle Design LLC, Gray Matters NYC, the Lawyers Alliance for New York, and the New York City Department of Education.