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What we’re about

Artistic freedom means that the amateur film maker is never forced to sacrifice visual drama and beauty to a stream of words…to the relentless activity and explanations of a plot…nor is the amateur production expected to return profit on a huge investment by holding the attention of a massive and motley audience for 90 minutes…Instead of trying to invent a plot that moves, use the movement of wind, or water, children, people, elevators, balls, etc. as a poem might celebrate these. And use your freedom to experiment with visual ideas; your mistakes will not get you fired. ~ Maya Deren
The Open Film School Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing film and media education. Our mission is to empower students in low-income groups with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and contribute to the rapidly evolving landscape of media.
Through innovative programs and resources, we aim to help students make sense of the pervasive influence of media in their lives and equip them with the tools to critically analyze, create, and engage with various forms of visual storytelling. Whether it’s understanding the power of cinema, mastering digital media production, or exploring the intricacies of storytelling techniques, we strive to cultivate a community of informed and inspired media enthusiasts.

At the heart of our foundation is a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to explore their passion for film and media regardless of background or socioeconomic status. Through our outreach initiatives, we seek to break down barriers and foster a diverse community of aspiring filmmakers and storytellers.