COMING THIS SUMMER: We are proud to announce the 2016 REAL DEAL story-writing contest Finalists! From our group of show stopping semi-finalist stories from youth (grades 6-12) in NYC and Cleveland, we present our FINALISTS. It is indeed the final countdown, as the two stories chosen from this round of selection will become Scenarios official 2016 films to premiere in 2017! We’ve got some outstanding new directors who will help develop these stories in partnership with the youth writers to become honest and magnificent media. The films air on places like Showtime, and are integrated into the next curriculum for hundreds of thousands of young people to experience, identify with, and be inspired by. These tremendous tales will be discussed and read as a part of our Final Selection Committee (a group of activists, media professionals, students) and those chosen – The Scenarios 2016 REAL DEAL Writing Contest Winners – will be announced at our Awards/Gala 6.7.16 – there’s still time to purchase tickets, donate, or support : http://bit.ly/scenariosgala
Every contest year we receive hundreds of stories and are able to share those stories with people from across the U.S., giving teens in our classrooms a chance to demonstrate their incredible creativity, and reflect upon topics that matter to them. In turn, they often show us that what they have to say is the most authentic and necessary examination of issues today (often ahead of mainstream attention). Our last three stories turned films revealed the lives of a Black Femmes*, which allowed these identities 
to be seen and heard from in ways they are not usually given space to be depicted: A gender fluid teen navigating violence (House Not Home), a young woman dealing with the cruelty of peers reacting to her feelings for another girl (Veracity), and a young woman facing the oppression of poverty via abuse from her boyfriend, an unplanned pregnancy, and violent streets (Aleah). They are also the stories of resiliency; as each character finds their courage and voice to be themselves and survive. From these films, our Love & Solidarity curriculum emerged (integrating the thoughts and opinions of students, the youth writers, educators, and activists) which covers topics like gender identity, asking for help and healing, race, power, and much more.
All of the stories are beyond valued, and we are so grateful for all of the NYC and Cleveland educators and students for their entries (Stay tuned for more ways to remain involved!) Every student who submitted will receive feedback from our Selection Committee readers.
Questions? Please email Rob@scenariosusa.org
Each month we highlight three of our youth-written films for FREE on our YouTube Channel. This month we celebrate stories focusing on LGBTQ youth. We proudly support storytelling as we announce our next youth winners of our writing contest who will have their stories turned into film, directed by professional filmmakers!
NYC Finalists
Cut In Half
- By Leen Shumman
- Teacher : Phil Grubler, Dwight Jennings
Hidden Bruises
- By Atzin Salgado
- Teacher : Phil Grubler, Dwight Jennings
Halah: Halo Around The Moon
- By Ayala Mirand
- Teacher : Aiesha Turman
I Will Follow You
- By Carlos Reyes
- Teacher : Phil Grubler, Dwight Jennings
The Unstoppable
- By Julianna Greenidge
- Teacher : Phil Grubler, Dwight Jennings
CLEVELAND Finalists
Hidden Secrets
- By Sierra Rose Reichard
- Teacher : Michelle Webster
Forbidden Love
- By Anjali Patel
- Teacher : Michelle Webster
- By Jasairybell Castillo
- Teacher : Michelle Webster
Love is Colorless
- By Kyla Saddler
- Teacher : Marketa President
Split Persona
- By Mayraleeh Nelson
- Teacher : Martha Verde
*term used to describe gender identity acknowledging a feminine (femme) identity with its associated traits, behaviors, styles, self-perception.
ScenariosUSA is a nonprofit that uses film and writing to amplify youth voices on social justice issues.
Learn more here.
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