Launched in 2000 in the South Bronx, Ghetto Film School was founded to develop and celebrate the next generation of great American storytellers. 21st Century Fox has been a long-time supporter of GFS, including bringing the New York-based program to Los Angeles two years ago. In addition to enabling the school to operate on a national scale, 21CF just announced that it is renewing its partnership by funding all core costs for GFS for the next 3 years.
21CF also provides the “rocket fuel” that makes the program especially unique—including curriculum support; mentoring; equipment; masterclasses with 21CF executives; table reads of GFS student scripts with FOX celebrities; and access to film sets and premieres. For example, students recently had the opportunity to attend an exclusive screening of The Birth of a Nation followed by a Q&A with director Nate Parker.
These contributions were recognized at a GFS Fall Benefit last week hosted by Academy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer that honored James Murdoch for his company’s ongoing support of the program—an investment based on 21CF’s ongoing work to champion a diversity of perspectives, roles and opportunities—recognizing that compelling stories can push the boundaries and create meaningful change.