The Latin American Training Center (LATC) announces this week the resumption of the social inclusion audiovisual project “Making My First Film.” The initiative of the Culture Council of the Rio de Janeiro Commercial Association (ACRJ) aims to use cinema as a tool for training and creative expression for young people in vulnerable situations.
The new phase begins with two courses: one at the DEGASE unit in Belford Roxo, aimed at youth serving socio-educational measures, and another in partnership with the Federation of Favela Associations of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAFERJ), bringing together participants from 10 favelas in the city of Rio de Janeiro.
During the 6-week course, students learn the fundamentals of screenwriting, production, and audiovisual directing, using mobile phones and low-cost production techniques to create their own short films, encouraging creativity, leadership, and new professional perspectives. After each course, there will be a screening of the short films for the students’ families and community residents, followed by a certificate award ceremony.
The resumption of the project is supported by a new Strategic Advisory Council composed of leading figures from the public and private sectors committed to strengthening and expanding the initiative.
In 2025, the project held six courses involving 85 young participants, who produced 45 short films in more than 25 favelas and municipalities across the State of Rio de Janeiro.
For 2026, eight new courses are planned, expanding the program’s reach and offering more young people the opportunity to develop audiovisual skills and tell their own stories.
“Our goal is to open doors for talented young people from underserved communities and show that audiovisual media can be a powerful tool for inclusion, education, and social transformation,” said Steve Solot, President of LATC.
With the support of institutional partners, sponsors, and the Strategic Advisory Council, the project will continue expanding its social and cultural impact in the State of Rio de Janeiro.
About LATC:
The Latin American Training Center (LATC), based in Rio de Janeiro, works in professional training, consulting, and the development of initiatives for the audiovisual industry, including education and social inclusion projects in communities and municipalities in the state, along with technical training programs for audiovisual professionals throughout Latin America.
Contact: steve.latc@gmail.com
