Ghetto Film School
 Ghetto Film School NY in New York City | |
| Formation | 2000 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Joe Hall |
| Type | Film School |
| 13-4127229 | |
| Legal status | 501(c)(3) organization |
| Location | |
Region served | Global |
CEO | Montea Robinson |
Main organ | Board of Directors |
| Website | www |
Ghetto Film School (GFS) is a nonprofit organization offering practical experience to aspiring filmmakers in South Bronx, New York City. Since its 2000 founding in New York, other schools have been established in Los Angeles and London. Classes are free and it chiefly serves young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to study filmmaking.
History
Ghetto Film School was founded in South Bronx 2000 by Joe Hall, a former social worker from the Bronx.[1][2]
The Los Angeles school was the second location for GFS.[3]
Ghetto Film School (GFS) London was launched in summer 2020 by founding co-partner, media production group Sister,[4] co-founded and operated by Elisabeth Murdoch, daughter of media magnate Rupert Murdoch. The school was set up in its physical location in 2021.[3]
Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, classes started online.[2]
Description
Ghetto Film School is a nonprofit organization offering practical experience to aspiring filmmakers.[5][6] GFS has locations in New York City, Los Angeles, and London.[1][7] The London school (GFS LDN) is based in a school in Shoreditch, in east London. There were 40 active students in 2024, of whom 65% were young women and 60% young Black people.[2]
Curriculum
In New York, the organization has a 30-month filmmaking curriculum, free to high-school students who attend on Saturdays and during the summer.[7] GFS also has a Roster Program which connects its alumni to industry contacts.[7] According to the school, it serves 8,000 individuals annually.[8][6] Many GFS graduates go on to work in the film business.[7]
In London, students attend on Saturdays and during school holidays.[2]
Leadership
Alumna Montea Robinson was appointed CEO in 2022.[6][9] The board includes many industry professionals such as Peter Cramer, James Murdoch, Lee Daniels, and Abby Pucker.[10]
As of November 2024, Tony Fernandes, a GFS alumnus, is executive director of GFS London.[2] He has been in the position since its establishment.[3]
GFS partners with several corporations including Dolby Laboratories,[11] Disney,[12] Red Bull,[13] and Universal Studio Group.[14]
References
- ^ a b Holson, Laura M. (October 5, 2018). "Ghetto Film School Trains Its Lens on Hollywood's Diversity Problem". New York Times. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Robinson, Gregory (November 30, 2024). "Inside the Ghetto Film School that's rewriting the movie industry script". Metro. Archived from the original on January 19, 2025. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
- ^ a b c Thorpe, Vanessa (February 28, 2021). "Elisabeth Murdoch funds film school that says no to nepotism". the Guardian. Archived from the original on July 19, 2025. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
- ^ "About Us". SISTER. July 31, 2025. Archived from the original on September 18, 2025. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
- ^ "Ghetto Film School Inc". ProPublica. May 9, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
- ^ a b c Lang, Brent (March 24, 2022). "Montea Robinson Promoted to CEO of Ghetto Film School (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ^ a b c d Botello, Camille (August 30, 2023). "The Bronx's Ghetto Film School: Where 'story is the heart of everything'". Bronx Times. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ^ "About Us | Our Mission". Ghetto Film School. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
- ^ "GFS Staff". Ghetto Film School. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
- ^ Haring, Bruce (February 12, 2021). "Abby Pucker Added To Ghetto Film School Board Of Directors". Yahoo News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ^ Complex, Valerie (November 10, 2023). "The Dolby Institute x Ghetto Film School Announce Winners Of The New Voices. New Visions. Competition". Deadline. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ^ "Hispanic filmmakers with Ghetto Film School celebrate love for culture through art of storytelling". ABC7 New York. October 13, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ^ "Establishing Shot". Red Bull. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
- ^ Cordero, Rosy (June 16, 2022). "Universal Studio Group Reteams With Ghetto Film School To Host 'USG University' FYC Showcase". Deadline. Retrieved December 4, 2023.