Winner of Westside Storytelling competition announced

A scene from the video “Where I’m From.” CONTRIBUTED

A scene from the video “Where I’m From.” CONTRIBUTED

AT&T, re:imagine/ATL and the At-Promise Center recently announced the winner of the Westside Storytelling competition, an opportunity for Westside youth to learn entertainment industry skills and tell their stories.

The winner, “Where I’m From” shares the meaningful impact of mentors, who support by offering hope, knowledge and opportunity to explore new pathways to success. The students also created “Time Capsule” and “Restoration.”

Using the hashtag #BelieveAtlanta, the competition was an intensive creative industry program focused on highlighting aspiring young creators from Atlanta’s historic Westside The Westside Storytelling Competition will capture the stories of Atlanta’s Westside by teaching participating youth film and digital entertainments skills, encouraging them to share their pride in the Westside and tell their unique stories.

Georgia’s booming film and digital entertainment industries currently employ over 30,000 people. Yet, according to a recent report by the Georgia Department of Labor, few opportunities exist for Georgia’s youth to learn these skills. The Westside Storytelling Competition will help equip the next generation of storytellers by training Westside youth to create content and by connecting them to a network of industry support.

“Westside youth are learning film and digital entertainment skills firsthand and, most importantly, exploring new pathways to success,” said Dave Wilkinson, President and CEO of the Atlanta Police Foundation. “The At-Promise initiative provides opportunities that help prevent and divert youth from engaging in criminal activity and drive students to achieve success. The Westside Storytelling Competition offers a creative way to empower and inspire the next generation to find their voices and connect with leaders in the entertainment industry.”

The winning film crew will be given the opportunity to attend a guided behind-the-scenes tour of DIRECTV NOW’s Super Saturday Night with re:imagine/ATL, the At-Promise Center and AT&T.

Information: www.WestsideStorytellingCompetition.com.