Gun violence continues to impact communities across the United States, leaving many searching for solutions. In Philadelphia, a creative youth program called “Bout Mine I Matter” empowers teenagers to share their perspectives and propose solutions through filmmaking. Launched in 2022 by the 5 Shorts Project, this initiative teaches video production skills while uplifting youth voices.
About the Bout Mine I Matter Program:
The Bout Mine I Matter program was founded by Shameka Sawyer, who tragically lost her brother to gun violence in 2022. To honor his memory, she created this program to empower youth from neighborhoods heavily impacted by gun violence.
The program selects 13-19-year-olds across Philadelphia to participate in a summer intensive workshop. During the multi-week workshop, participants learn documentary filmmaking skills from professional instructors. They use these new skills to produce short films focused on solutions to gun violence in their communities.
The first cohort of students completed the inaugural workshop in July 2022. Local and national media outlets have already featured their documentaries. The program provides youth with creative outlets to process trauma, share stories, and envision a future beyond violence.
Collaborations to Amplify Youth Voices:
The Bout Mine I Matter program has fostered collaborations to amplify the voices of the youth filmmakers further. They worked with Temple University’s Center for Public Interest Journalism and the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting. Together, they produced a video series showcasing survivor stories and discussions about media portrayal of gun violence.
This collaboration provided a platform for the students to engage directly with journalists and media members. They shared their experiences and advocated for more solutions-focused coverage within their communities.
Impact and Growth:
In just a few short months, the Bout Mine I Matter program has already made waves in Philadelphia. The student-produced films have been shown at community events, festivals, and meetings with legislators. The program received a 2022 grant from the City of Philadelphia to support its filmmaking workshops.
Founder Shameka Sawyer plans to expand the program to offer year-round workshops. She aims to launch a fellowship program to support Bout Mine alumni interested in media, arts, and advocacy careers. By nurturing these teens’ creative and intellectual pursuits, the program fosters community leaders equipped to drive positive change.
The Bout Mine I Matter program demonstrates the power of uplifting youth voices and providing creative outlets. The students’ films deliver powerful perspectives on community challenges while sharing hopeful visions for the future. As this impactful program grows, it will further empower Philadelphia’s next generation of leaders and storytellers.