MEDIA OUTREACH
Cine Joven 
In a direct response to the cultural climate of the Southwest, the Austin School of Film is introducing a pioneering filmmaking program for teens ages 14-19 where they are taught to create films in Spanish. This program provides free or low-cost learning opportunities, outside of school, where youths are challenged to conceive of and produce complex media projects. The Austin School of Film has joined with the
Mexican American Cultural Center to not only facilitate cross-cultural understanding, but provide valuable production experience for typically underserved communities. Completed works will be screened during our Final End of Semester Screenings (F.E.S.S.) at the Alamo Drafthouse, entered into national and international film festivals, and featured on Spanish speaking television networks.
Youth M.A.F.I.A. Day Film Festival 
On March 8 - 9, 2008, 46 high school students got together to make 12 short films in 24 hours. The 4th Annual
Youth M.A.F.I.A Day Film Festival, held during SXSW Film 2008, was open to all high school filmmakers in Texas, ages 14–19. This annual event is entirely free and took place from 10am–10am at Crockett High School in Austin, Texas, starting on the first Saturday morning of Spring Break. All of the filmmakers were fed by our wonderful sponsors throughout the festival and were supervised by Austin School of Film faculty, mentors, and chaperones.
Groups of four teens had 24 hours to script, shoot, and edit a film according to a defined set of guidelines and scheduling parameters. Austin School of Film faculty and mentors facilitated the event and provided assistance with story development, shooting, and editing.
All finished films were screened for the public and awards were awarded at the Dobie Theater on Wednesday afternoon of SXSW Film. These events are always standing room only and are great fun. Films are judged according to their story, technical merit, and the filmmaker's ability to incorporate and use the prescribed guidelines. Categories include “Best Use of Prop”, “Best Cinematography”, “Best Editing”, and “Viewers' Choice”. All participants in the Youth M.A.F.I.A. Day Film Festival will receive certificates of participation and coupons for discounted Austin School of Film courses.
