The Transformative Power of Youth Filmmaking
- Matt Murphy
- Mar 21
- 3 min read
I recently had the pleasure of joining a discussion on The Signal on CBC Radio, where myself and a panel of experts, practitioners, and up-and-comers in the local film industry explored the many benefits of youth filmmaking.
As became clear from hearing everyone's perspectives and experiences, storytelling through film has the power to create real impact on youth.
Youth Filmmaking: More Than Just Making Movies
One of the most rewarding parts of working with young filmmakers is watching them bring their ideas to life. They don’t just watch movies—they make them. From writing scripts to filming and editing, they’re involved in every step of the process. Along the way, they strengthen their critical thinking, teamwork, and creative problem-solving skills.
Brooklyn Cox, a high school student and filmmaker, is a great example. She recently organized a horror film screening as a fundraiser for the Janeway Children’s Hospital, bringing together filmmakers of all ages for a night of spooky storytelling.
Women in Film: Breaking Barriers and Building Community
Another guest on the show, filmmaker Lisa Ovies, spoke about her work supporting female and non-binary directors through her EmpowHER Female Filmmaking program. She highlighted an ongoing issue in the industry: while more women are stepping behind the camera, barriers still exist.
Lisa’s passion lies in creating a space where underrepresented voices can thrive. She emphasized that horror—a traditionally male-dominated genre—offers a unique way to explore real-world issues. Her film Sleep Tight, featured in Brooklyn’s screening, uses horror to discuss domestic violence and generational trauma, demonstrating how the genre can be a vehicle for meaningful social commentary.
Her words underscored an important truth: representation matters, not just in front of the camera but behind it and I feel it's important for young people to see filmmakers like Lisa who are leading the way. It is inspiring to hear her talk about how no one can tell your story in your voice better than you.
Restorative Justice and the Power of Storytelling
The conversation also turned to how filmmaking can support restorative justice and youth engagement. Tisha Stemp, co-founder of STREAMS Education and a community justice coordinator with Relationships First NL, shared how she has used film as a tool for education and conflict resolution.
At the Rabbit Town Community Centre (RTCC), young people have been using filmmaking to explore issues that matter to them, including school challenges and social justice concerns. During this conversation, Tisia recounts a project we collaborated on with the RTCC after-school group to create a mock news broadcast to voice their perspectives on what they want to see more of in schools. When young people are given a platform to tell their own stories, it fosters a sense of agency and belonging—key elements of restorative justice.
A DIY Mindset: The Accessibility of Filmmaking
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was just how accessible filmmaking has become. While professional film productions can seem overwhelming with their big cameras and elaborate setups, today’s young filmmakers don’t need expensive gear to tell compelling stories. Smartphones, free editing software, and a little creativity can go a long way.
While learning to use professional equipment is valuable, I always encourage young filmmakers to embrace a DIY mindset. With a phone, a lamp, and a bit of ingenuity, they can create films that capture their vision in powerful ways.
Why Filmmaking Matters
Filmmaking isn’t just about making movies—it’s about making connections, challenging perspectives, and building confidence. Whether it’s a high school student like Brooklyn taking the lead on a film festival, a director like Lisa empowering underrepresented voices, or a community leader like Tisha using storytelling for social change, one thing is clear: film has the power to transform lives.
For young people, picking up a camera is more than just learning a new skill—it’s a gateway to confidence, self-expression, collaboration, and making a difference.
Have you ever made a short film or thought about trying? If you’re interested in learning more about how Brain Food Studios is helping young filmmakers get started, check out our programs.
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