About Filmbuilding:
Filmbuilding cultivates connections and facilitates collaborative visual storytelling experiences for students worldwide. Their discovery-based approach encourages meaningful dialogue, continuous exploration, and a renewed love for learning. They organize filmmaking programs that bring people together to connect and learn from each other in transformative ways. With today's divisions growing deeper, Filmbuilding’s mission is to address this challenge by harnessing the power of co-creative visual storytelling to foster meaningful connections and individual and collective growth.
What They Do:
Filmbuilding's discovery-based approach to filmmaking encourages continuous exploration and integration of ideas, resulting in original and personally revealing projects. Unlike traditional industry-driven methods, we support students to develop their projects from their own cinematic rules, responding step by step to the conditions they encounter. Our programs aim to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, outlooks, and more through film, creating a patchwork of perspectives exposed throughout the filmmaking process.
Partnership With EMA Foundation:
Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, EMA Foundation, and Filmbuilding have come together to launch the 'We Are LS METCO' project. This initiative stemmed from Lori Hodin and the Racial Climate Community Group's recognition of the challenges faced by LS METCO students in feeling a strong sense of belonging within the school community. Additionally, many members of the community were unaware of the METCO program and the experiences of its participants.
Lori and the Racial Climate Community Group envisioned a student-made documentary film as a powerful means to share the perspectives and experiences of METCO students, cultivating caring relationships, respect for human differences, and cultivating community. However, they lacked the financial resources and logistical expertise to bring this vision to life.
Upon learning of Lori's idea, LS 10th grader Moses Sibley suggested reaching out to David Grace and the EMA Foundation, known for its support of storytelling initiatives that foster human connection. EMA Foundation, recognizing the potential of the project, facilitated a partnership with Filmbuilding, a nonprofit organization led by LS graduate Tom Flint, specializing in community-building through filmmaking and storytelling projects.
Through this collaboration, the 'We Are LS METCO' project aims to amplify the voices of METCO students and cultivate understanding and unity within the Lincoln-Sudbury community.
Impact:
Filmbuilding has made a significant impact since its inception, empowering individuals of all ages to engage in collaborative visual storytelling. With a total of 167 Filmbuilders who have participated in workshops, ranging in age from 12 to 77, our programs have inspired creativity and dialogue across generations. Together, Filmbuilders have produced 41 films, exploring a diverse range of themes such as "In-between," "Beyond/Behind," "Home," and "The Antidote to Despair."
Throughout our journey, Filmbuilding has organized 23 screening events, providing platforms for Filmbuilders to showcase their work and engage in open discussions. Additionally, Filmbuilding has formed partnerships with 26 schools and organizations worldwide, fostering collaboration and expanding our reach.
Filmbuilding's impact extends beyond borders, with participants representing nations including the USA, Chile, Japan, China, Taiwan, Finland, and Australia. Through their programs, Filmbuilding aims to bridge cultural divides and promote understanding among diverse communities.
Join the Movement:
Join Filmbuilding and EMA Foundation in our mission to cultivate meaningful connections and promote individual and collective growth through collaborative visual storytelling. Together, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous future through the power of film.
