Scenarios USA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that that uses writing and filmmaking to foster youth leadership, advocacy and self-expression in under-served teens. Scenarios USA asks teens to write about the issues that shape their lives for the annual “What’s the REAL DEAL?” writing contest, and thousands have responded with their raw and revealing insights.
The winning writers are partnered with some of Hollywood’s finest filmmakers to transform their stories into award-winning short films. 15 million people a year watch the Scenarios USA films at film festivals, on television and in high schools nationwide. Scenarios USA believes that by valuing youth and listening to their opinions we can have an impact on promoting healthy relationships and lowering the rate of HIV, STDs and pregnancy among teens.
Bitter Memories 14 min. Joshua Marston
Rob is a young man who grows up watching his father abuse his mother. When jealousy brings Rob face to face with his own violent tendencies toward women, he confronts his father’s behavior so he can learn how to be un hombre vero. Written by Mariella Zavala from Pharr, Texas. Directed by Joshua Marston shot by Stuart Dryburgh and Produced by Anish Savjani.
MANchild 17 min. Rawson Marshall Thurber
Tommy is a young man who works hard to make it to graduation, to be a good friend and a good boyfriend, and to raise his three sisters. On his 18th birthday, Tommy must reckon with both his past and his future to define for himself what it means to become a man. Written by Earlaina Kemp from Cleveland, Ohio. Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber and shot by Lee Daniel.
Misunderstood 17 min. Clark Johnson
Twin brothers Devon and Keshon rely on each other for their daily survival. When they find themselves attracted to the same girl, a rivalry builds that leads to deeper questions about how society judges boys and men. Written by Teens in the High School of Graphic Communication Arts in New York City. Directed by Clark Johnson shot by Frank Demarco and produced by Jamin O’Brien.
“… Through Scenarios USA, your film will not only impact countless individuals,
but it also shows great determination and compassion… As you continue to grow and face new challenges, never underestimate your power to make a difference. You are the future.”
— excerpt from a letter from Barack Obama to a Scenarios USA writer
For more information, visit http://www.scenariosusa.org/
For the rest of the Ingenuity Film Festival, click here:
http://ingenuitycleveland.com/ingenuity-film-festival
