Youth Media Jam

by Paul Burress

It seems young people never stop getting restless and wanting to show people the world through their eyes. So, with a little help, these junior Michael Moores and Spike Lees go about documenting or creating the stories that affect them. For the fourth year the Prince Music Theater hosts the Youth Media Jam, showcasing the work of young filmmakers, videomakers and performance artists -- with more than 80 films and videos to be shown over five days.

The Media Jam will be focusing on the development of the next generation of storytellers, showing new work as well as offering numerous workshops on a variety of cinematic fundamentals. The Jam isn't limited to documentaries: Local and national comedies, dramas and children's films will also be screened. Local entries The Broad Street Project, Solitaire, My Name is Harold Kaufman and Mental Dreams will be seen alongside national independent films such as Dis This Myth (where urban myths are debunked with fast-food efficacy), Bought and Sold (an exploration of the devaluing of cultural touchstones for profit), and Poetic Roots (which uses spoken word to depict the plight created by discrimination). Women take a shot at the media during Reel Girls, while This is for Betsy Hall is a daughter's stark view of her mother's eating disorders.

Local artists and filmmakers including Eugene Martin and Jeff Kilpatrick will be among those hosting workshops on a variety of topics such as screenwriting for avant-garde cinema, and turning an idea into a finished product.

The films and workshops are only part of the story; the Media Jam will be holding numerous other events ranging from spoken-word jams to programs focusing on a cross section of alternative lifestyles and subcultures. Check out the Prince Theater's website (www.princemusictheater.org/film/youthmediajam4.html) to get the complete lowdown.

Youth Media Jam, Wed.-Sun., May 28 to June 1, free, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-569-9700.