NFTS, Ghetto Film School team for fifth year

The National Film and Television School is teaming up this week with Ghetto Film School, a storytelling charity, to offer hands-on teaching for 18 young Londoners.

The young storytellers from Ghetto Film School, who come from a range of backgrounds, including those less commonly found within the media and film industries, will have access to NFTS’s equipment, facilities and teaching across six days of activity.

This year’s residential programme marks the fifth year of close collaboration between NFTS and GFS, and will see students direct, produce and shoot live projects, edit video and audio, as well as a full immersion in wardrobe, props and animation workshops.

Ghetto Film School (GFS) is a nonprofit founded in 2000 to educate, develop and celebrate the next generation of great storytellers. With locations in New York City, Los Angeles and London, GFS equips students for top film schools, universities and careers in the creative industries.

GFS LDN launched its Fellows programme in July 2020 and was founded by a pilot programme graduate, 20 year old Tony Fernandes. Tony Fernandes is the Executive Director of GFS LDN and led a research and strategic planning process to expand the US Ghetto Film School model in London.

Opening during the COVID 19 pandemic, GFS LDN has provided free-of-cost film education and industry career development to 100+ young artists from all over London.

GFS LDN identifird young talent from underrepresented communities, removing obstacles to access and resources, and delivering a high-quality, broad introductory experience so they gain confidence and momentum at an early age.

GFS then connects Fellows with partners providing specialised training platforms, university education, early career paid work experience and employment opportunities.

The charity launched in London to amplify unheard stories told by promising creatives, a shared priority with NFTS.

Jon Wardle, Director of the National Film and Television School said: “Ghetto Film School is a phenomenal organisation helping young people to realise their talents and unlocking the talent of tomorrow. This partnership, which has flourished over the years, reaffirms our commitment to collaborating with GFS. We are immensely proud to join forces once again with this incredible opportunity, aimed at educating and supporting the filmmakers of the future here at NFTS.”