MACFI: MAC Film Initiative
“Filmmakers are essentially storytellers and I believe every kid has a compelling story to share with the world.”
– Hezekiah Lewis
MACFI is a film production class for high school students that combines the ageless art of story telling with film. In small groups of 6-8, participants work collaboratively to form a production crew
MACFI Winter/Spring 2025
With Hezekiah Lewis and Darryl Ridgeway
Winter/Spring 2025 Session
Wednesdays, February 5 - April 9
6:00 PM-8:00 PM
for grades 9-12
Location: Media Youth Center’s Strine Learning Center, 1 Youth Way, Media, PA 19063, as well as additional days and sites for filming.
$450 For 10-Week Class. Scholarships Available. MAC Members Save $50 On Tuition
"MACFI introduced me to the world of filmmaking and I’ve fallen in love with it. I hope one day to become a director and this class opened that door for me." - MACFI Student
Have you ever wondered what it is like to write a film script, create a storyboard, perform in front of a camera, direct actors, light a set, or put it all together in an editing program? Whether the goal is to be in front of the camera or behind the scenes, area high school students get the chance to make and star in their own movies as part of the MAC Film Initiative.
MACFI is a film production class for high school students that combines the ageless art of story telling with film. In small groups of 6-8, participants work collaboratively to form a production crew, learning:
screenplay writing
acting
directing
camera operation
set lighting
sound
film editing
MACFI is a rich learning experience for high school students to tell meaningful stories of their life experiences while discovering the art of filmmaking.
Upon completion of the course, students invite their families and friends to walk the red carpet and enjoy a screening of their completed films on the big screen.
In existence since 2012, MACFI is a partnership between the Media Arts Council and the Media Youth Center. There are sessions in fall and spring. Classes are held in the Media Youth Center’s Strine Learning Center, 1 Youth Way, Media, PA 19063.
For more information or to inquire about scholarship opportunities contact the Media Arts Council 484.445.4161 or exec@mediaartscouncil.org
Click Here to fill out or download the scholarship form
"This program has boosted my son's confidence in his abilities related to screenwriting." - MACFI Parent
"I think it’s made me more open to new experiences and put me out of my comfort zone." - MACFI Student
"I've learned that time management is an important skill. The challenge of having due dates and deadlines for each step of the preproduction, production, and post production processes. This challenge became easier as I learned how to do it." - MACFI Student
About The Instructors:
Teaching Artist Hezekiah Lewis is an Assistant Professor of Communication at Villanova University. He is an alumnus of UCLA's MFA film directing program. Lewis attended Villanova University on a football scholarship. As a communication major, he co-founded and served as artistic director for the Villanova Television Station along with directing numerous documentaries and short narratives. He was offered a Presidential Fellowship to attend Villanova's graduate school where he completed a Master's degree in Theatre. At UCLA, Hezekiah completed various short films and documentaries promoting social change and awareness. He received numerous awards for his outstanding efforts, which commemorate and recognize Hezekiah for his dedication, and passion for filmmaking.
Teaching Artist Darryl Ridgeway graduated from Lincoln University with a B. S. Degree in Business Administration in 1989. Ridgeway started his professional career in sales while simultaneously assisting his father in his entertainment company, Blue Diamond Entertainment Group (BDEG). This company produced a show called “Artist Discovery” in which Ridgeway worked as assistant producer. Artist Discovery aired Billboards’ top 100 hit music videos. From this experience, he created a show called Hip Hop Vibes which showcased up-and-coming rap artists while showing Billboards’ top 100 rap videos. In 1998 Ridgeway embarked on a career in managing and producing local R&B and rap groups. Through his experiences and connections, Ridgeway graduated to film projects. Within the last decade, Ridgeway’s film industry career has led down several paths, from raising capital and co-producing to business management and development. Ridgeway served on various executive boards in the entertainment and business sectors. Most notables were the Multicultural Film Alliance of Greater Philadelphia Alliance, which created a platform for independent Film professionals to network to find jobs.
This program is made possible by support from the Connelly Foundation and Sun Center Studios.
