Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15 - 10/15) we proudly showcase a few of New York City’s Latinx All-Stars at Reel Works, who are thriving professionally while also helping to develop future members of the film and media industry!

Reel Works is a nonprofit program that helps young people share their stories through filmmaking, creating a springboard to success in media and beyond. At Reel Works, 100% of alumni graduate from high school, and 83% of alumni enroll in college. In addition, all Reel Works after-school students are paired 1:1 with professional filmmaker mentors to tell their stories and have their voices heard.

Young adults from all backgrounds learn that their stories matter, and that their stories are an important part of history in the making. Reel Works advocates for a brighter and more inclusive future for all, including our Latinx community.  Read about a few Latinx all-stars that help make Reel Works a success. 

Out of college Roxanne Peña worked with “Latinitas”. This nonprofit in Austin, Texas, created the first digital magazine made by and for young Latinas. She went on to found LearnThink Media, a nonprofit empowering diverse and inclusive youth through the art of filmmaking. Currently, she works with Reel Works as a Course Developer.

Liam Mejia Moran, the manager at The Studio at Reel Works, has been featured in Latina Magazine as a young filmmaker to watch. Liam creates work about the Latino community in Brooklyn and is part of “Los Lunicorns,” the first LGBTQ group ever created in Staten Island.

Christiamilda Correa, the Development Director at Reel Works, is an alumna of the National Association of Latino Arts & Cultures (NALAC) Leadership Institute. In addition to her work with Reel Works, she also volunteers with Teatro SEA, The VECINOS Collective, and the Latinx Theater Commons Advisory Board and serves as the inaugural President of NYU Latinx Alumni Networ.  Ms. Correa says, “Reel Works has been at the forefront in terms of addressing the needs of diverse populations, really motivated and talented youth who may not have had access or opportunity.”

The hard work of these and many others have great results. For instance, Maya Velazquez, Student Ambassador and Filmmaker says, “I’m learning a lot about film and what career path I want to go down—maybe an editor or screenwriter. Reel Works really showed me this new world.” You can view one of Maya’s student films, “Crossroads,” HERE.

Are you in the film and TV industry? Are you interested in giving back? Reel Works provides a great opportunity to help shape the future of our industry. Your time and skills can help young filmmakers learn how to tell their stories to the world. You can find more information about mentoring and volunteering HERE. If time is an issue, consider a tax-deductible donation. Your suporrt will help to develop an industry where all stories are represented, and all voices are heard. You can make your donation HERE.  Your support is crucial to keeping these filmmaking programs free and open to over 1,000 underserved youth each year.  Be sure to mark you calendar for October 2 and the First Annual Reel Works Film Festival . Check out the YouTube promo below. 

Storytelling in a modern medium is a group effort. What people see on their screens is just the tip of the iceberg. It takes a village and we are grateful that Reel Works and its supporters are ensuring the quality and integrity of our industry and the young people they serve.