Since 2002, the Sonoma International Film Festival’s key initiative – the Sonoma Valley High School Media Arts Program (SVHS) – has provided the financial resources for students to use the power of film to explore their creative pursuits and diverse storytelling viewpoints.

Each school year hundreds of students are introduced to this in-depth process of filmmaking, producing dozens of acclaimed student shorts, many of which can be seen at the SIFF Student Showcase during our annual festival.

SIFF, and our generous donors, have given over $650,000 to this vital program since its inception. The SVHS Media Arts Program provides students access to discover their own voices in classes which teach the scope of the filmmaking process and offer hands learning experience – from creating storyboards and animations, writing a screenplay, learning about film theory, using a camera, directing and working with actors and a crew, editing a project, to most of all – being inspired to tap into their unique talents to bring their stories to life.

“Former students of the SVHS Media Arts Program have gone on to graduate from film schools, and are traveling internationally to work on music videos, documentaries, or are interning or working at film studios such as Pixar Animation Studio, Sony and others,” said Peter Hansen, longtime SVHS Media Arts Program teacher.

Please consider a donation today to help us continue to sustain and support the SVHS Media Arts Program. Your contribution is tax-deductible where allowable by law. Tax ID 68-0428999.

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