International Youth Media Summit inspires young people around the world to use film and other media to inform, inspire, educate, and drive action on critical global issues
indieactivity: What is your ultimate goal for IYMS?
IYMS: Our goal is always the same – to inspire young people around the world to use film and other media to inform, inspire, educate, and drive action on critical global issues.
Each year we bring together young people from around the world for a film production Summit. Professional filmmakers serve as their mentors as they collaborate on films about global issues. It is our plan to increase the frequency of these Summits. In addition, we want to establish year-round production hubs for young filmmakers that replicate the Summit experience. Established global filmmakers and production companies would be connected to these hubs and serve as mentors, supporters, and pipelines to careers.
In every case, people from different countries and diverse backgrounds work across borders and ethnic and cultural divides for the common good. In so doing, these young people have a stake in several communities – locally, nationally and internationally – communities where they belong, where their talents are valued and developed, where their voices make a difference.
The Highlights | IYMS 2023 – Wisconsin, USA
Has the original mission of the IYMS changed through the years, if so how ?
IYMS: No. Our mission statement says it best: We unite and empower passionate youth around the world to create impactful stories that shine a light on urgent global issues. Their films and media projects inspire change and celebrate the best of humanity.
Where will this year’s IYMS take place?
IYMS: Our first Summit in Africa will take place in Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania, East Africa July 21 – August 5, 2024.
The Summit aims to bring together 100 youth from around the world where they make actual films in 2 weeks, how do you accelerate this filmmaking process so well?
IYMS: It is one of the things that helps people from different cultures learn to get along so quickly – they don’t have time for debates with a public screening staring them in the face. Every crew has members from different countries, but each crew also combines Summit veterans with first-timers.
The films that are started from a blank page – then written, produced and edited in time for the closing ceremony – are short, averaging between 1-3 minutes. These are completed in 2 days of research & writing; 2 days of production, 2 days of post-production. Last year one crew was highly motivated – they created an award-winning 8-minute film. Of course, the crews do tend to work around the clock!
This year we will also be producing longer-form media, with the editing being completed after the Summit is over -something new and different!
IYMS 2024 in Africa – Location Reveal!
Do you provide transparent audience data?
IYMS: Our filmmakers bring their films home and screen them in schools and community centers. They use a Tool Kit to plan activities and lead discussions. At the end of each workshop, the participants are asked to fill out a questionnaire (anonymously). Included in the data collected is demographic information which we then compile to track our impact and share with UNESCO and our other partners.
What is being done on the marketing front?
IYMS: In the past, we have relied on our young volunteers who create and post across social media platforms. We also create a monthly newsletter to send to our mailing lists. This year, for the first time, we are working with a PR and Marketing firm, Alta Global Media. Alta has developed a diverse action plan to get our name in front of the public. I’m determined never to go it alone again. Their expertise and enthusiasm for our work has energized all of us.
Your event is a collaboration with the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) and Zanzibar Arts Initiative Foundation (ZAIF), describe how you all are working together?
IYMS: ZIFF and ZAIF are based in Zanzibar, the site of our event. We have been working with them for the past year to design the program of three overlapping events (the Summit, the Zanzibar International Film Festival and the Zanzibar African Youth Arts Festival). With 27 years of experience organizing ZIFF, they have many local contacts. We meet weekly, and communicate daily, dividing responsibilities for developing outreach materials, securing venues, finding funding, connecting with UN and EU partners, and inviting important guests for our events. They are teaching us Swahili as well as the culture of Zanzibar. It’s a delightful partnership that will no doubt endure past 2024.
Describe the collaboration process between the filmmakers and their mentors at the Summit?
IYMS: Our filmmakers come to us with various levels of expertise; some are already professionals, others are still students. We don’t spend more than a couple of hours on formal instruction – most of our mentoring happens in the course of film development, production and post. Theory is not important – story impact is. In addition to older professional filmmakers and film educators who work with the crews, the delegates learn from each other. In addition to film skills, our veterans help us create an atmosphere of respect and caring, one that puts collaboration as one of the most highly valued skills they learn.
How would you say the Summit benefits filmmakers’ careers?
IYMS: Since the Summit is production-based and a high-pressure situation, our filmmakers develop confidence. They bring that confidence home and it gives them courage to keep going. And tThey also learn skills from their mentors and from each other that help them advance. They learn about different careers, sometimes finding something that’s a better fit. Independent filmmaking can be a lonely pursuit. Our filmmakers know they have a community of support and encouragement. They come back to their professional mentors, they ask for letters of recommendation, they show their work for critique. Pakistan filmmaker Babar Ali is probably our best example of a career we helped to nurture. For his first Summit in 2016 he made an award-winning short film (True Impact). He has stayed with us over the years, and we have stayed with him. IYMS co-produced his feature debut JOHN which premiered to rave reviews in Pakistan and is now with an LA-based sales agent.
How can interested parties get in touch with you?
IYMS: Interested future filmmakers should check out our website and follow us on social media for opportunities to get involved see our links below the interview. Donors as well as professional filmmakers and production companies who want to become involved can write Evelyn Seubert, President: evelyn@iyms.org.
Is there a future for independent film without initiatives such as yours?
IYMS: James Gleason is the IYMS co-founder. He and I started bringing future filmmakers from James’ magnet film class, aged 14 & 15, to the Sundance Film Festival back in 1994. When the kids saw people who looked like them, they realized they had a chance at careers. They brought a 70-minute feature film they produced to the Festival in 1996. And many of them are still working in the industry today. To truly thrive, I believe Independent film must encourage the wide diversity of voices with stories that need to be told from across the racial, ethnic, gender and cultural spectrums. There are audiences waiting for stories that reflect their struggles, their tragedies, their hopes and their dreams. There are young filmmakers ready to tell those stories if given the opportunities and encouragement.
So far, you’ve hosted 18 annual 2-week events, how has that impacted filmmakers and the indie film industry?
IYMS: We have many young people who went through our program who are working in all aspects of the entertainment industry and in every capacity, including top management. We have no data to measure how their participation has impacted the industry itself, but one thing I can say with certainty; because of their experience of collaborating across borders, these people will be the best at conflict resolution, building consensus and respecting everyone in the workplace. I believe that is good for the bottom line, creative output and personal satisfaction.
You have a diverse advisory board and youth committee, tell us their particular purpose?
IYMS: Both working groups are diverse. Because we need to have input from as many different corners of the globe as possible when designing our programs. The Advisory Board consists of media professionals, educators and mentors with knowledge of our social issues. The Youth Committee directly connects with other youth around the world. They lead workshops, and organize the Youth Voice contest. Also, they design our website and social media, recruit. Plus choose delegates for the Summit and run the day-to-day Summit activities.
What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
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