Sarasota, Florida – Black Girls Film Camp, a prestigious program dedicated to empowering and inspiring young African American girls in the art of filmmaking, is proud to announce the participation of an exceptionally talented young filmmaker and director, Gabriella Stafford.
Black Girls Film Camp, renowned for its commitment to fostering creativity and representation in the film industry, provides a unique platform for aspiring filmmakers to explore their passion for storytelling. This year, Gabriella Stafford will join a talented group of young filmmakers who will be mentored by industry professionals and learn various aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, and editing.
As a recent graduate of Sarasota High School, Gabriella has recently been accepted to the prestigious New York University’s Film and Television Program for the Fall. Her passion lies in education and film. Overall, she believes the work, community, and school experiences she had prepares her to be the future producer that creates opportunities to empower more Black girls and women to enter the media industry to positively influence the stories and representation of Black girls and women behind the camera so that their stories will educate and inspire all audiences.
During the camp’s LA Retreat, Gabriella Stafford was given the opportunity to collaborate with fellow campers, engage in hands-on workshops, and receive guidance from industry professionals. She has gained valuable insights into the filmmaking process, from conceptualization to post-production, further developing her technical skills and artistic vision.
The program’s founder, Dr. Jimmeka Anderson discusses the growing elite program, detailing, “[t]here is a need for Black girls to know how to tell their own stories; to see themselves as writers and storytellers; to learn how to build up their tech proficiency and become the ones that are operating the technology to create these digital stories.” Black Girls Film Camp co-founders, Sierra Davis and Dr. Anderson, went on to describe the selection process for the 2023 cohort stating, “out of 200 girls, we had to pick 10…and these young ladies are so impressive…they are sharp…they are the top 10 in the nation and…it’s an honor to have them as a part of the Black Girls Film Camp community.”
At the conclusion of Black Girls Film Camp, Gabriella Stafford will have the opportunity to showcase her film, “Advanced” to industry professionals, fellow campers, family, and friends during a special premiere held on June 9th-10th.
About Black Girls Film Camp: Black Girls Film Camp is a transformative program designed to empower young African American girls in the art of filmmaking. Through mentorship, skill-building workshops, and industry exposure, the camp aims to equip participants with the tools and knowledge to succeed in the film industry. Black Girls Film Camp is committed to fostering diversity, representation, and creative excellence in filmmaking. For more information about Black Girls Film Camp, please visit www.blackgirlsfilmcamp.com.