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On Saturday March 27, young artists from all over the country met at the New York Film Academy for an afternoon to discuss the power of youth-made media and to watch the winning films of the 2009 YFEN Film Contest. NCAC also screened films from Reel Works and the Global Action Project. Spoken word artist Kahlil Almustafa performed and filmmaker Emily Kunstler lead the filmmakers in a conversation with the audience. 

The day also marked the launch on the 2010 YFEN Film Contest: “I’m All for Free Speech, BUT…” and provided a chance for students to reflect on the speech that offends us, makes us cringe, and provokes our anger (and desire to censor). Stay tuned for more details on the film contest.

Schedule of films:

Opening: Free Speech in Schools (Does it Exist?)

A Promised Freedom – Within Reach by Jack McClintock, Youth Free Expression Network

Part 1: Sexuality, Gender, Immigration & Controversial Speech

Queer in the City by the Supafriends – Global Action Project
No Safe Place by Nataly Garzon, Jesus Villalba, Caleale
Goodridge, Jean Tejeda, Djenabou Diallo, Kadiatou Diallo – Global Action Projectyouthvoices2010.jpg
Shh…Bitch by Naomi Lynch – Reel Works
Rated R by Tenia Hardy – Reel Wor
ks
When Satire Goes Bad by Rebecca Kaplan – Reel Works

Part 2: Winning Films of 2009 YFEN Film Contest 

• Honorable Mention: Petty Inquiries by Amy Obarski
• Third Place: Rumors by Aaron Dunbar
• Second Place: Silenced by Stephen Small and Tom Piasny
• First Place: Freedom Thieves by Jordan Allen