Registration Now Open for the First Frame Film Academy — A Free Youth Filmmaking Program in Samaná

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Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic — The Alma Film Festival is proud to announce that registration is now officially open for the First Frame Film Academy, a free immersive youth filmmaking initiative of the Dandelion Institute designed to introduce young creatives to the world of filmmaking, storytelling, and media production.

The First Frame Film Academy is a one-week intensive program where students ages 10–18 will learn the complete filmmaking process — from story development and screenwriting to production, editing, marketing, and final film delivery.

The program will take place daily from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM and will be taught primarily in Spanish, with English curriculum support also available.


The First Frame Film Academy will feature guidance from a dynamic network of local and international film professionals, including filmmaker Alfredo J. Williams, who will serve as one of the program’s instructors. Alongside hands-on in-person training, students will also participate in virtual sessions with filmmakers and creatives from around the world, offering rare insight into contemporary global storytelling, production, and cinematic practice.

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Throughout the experience, students will:

  • Learn storytelling and screenwriting fundamentals
  • Work hands-on with professional filmmaking equipment
  • Explore directing, acting, cinematography, sound, editing, and production
  • Collaborate as part of a real film crew
  • Create an original short film during the program
  • Receive mentorship and continued engagement opportunities following the camp

All participating students will receive:

  • Free official program t-shirts
  • Access to cameras, equipment, and production tools
  • Lunch and an early dinner each day
  • Hands-on instruction from filmmakers and creatives
  • Production experience in a collaborative environment

The completed student films will receive a dedicated red carpet celebration and grand world premiere screening during the 2027 Alma Film Festival before being featured on the Atlanta-based streaming platform SignifyTV.


Signify TV has committed its support to the Alma Film Festival First Frame Film Academy by providing a platform for completed student works to continue their journey beyond the festival stage following their official 2027 premiere.

Pictured here, Executive Director Alana Lark alongside lead producer and writer Nina Villani engaged directly with students during the inaugural festival—an early reflection of the international creative relationships being cultivated through Alma’s growing cultural ecosystem. Their presence underscores a broader commitment from respected industry professionals to invest in emerging young voices through mentorship, professional access, creative guidance, and long-term visibility within the evolving global media landscape.

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In addition to filmmaking education, the initiative is designed to introduce students to real-world creative career pathways, including potential internship opportunities with professional productions in the region.

The First Frame Film Academy is being supported through a growing coalition of creative, educational, and community-focused partners, including:

  • Sunny Breeze Film Studios
  • The G.L.O.W. Syndicate
  • Entrepreneurs for Good
  • The Life School
  • BAMM

The program is part of a broader effort to help cultivate long-term creative infrastructure, workforce development opportunities, and youth engagement through storytelling and media education in Samaná.

Registration is Now Open

Media Contact
Anthony R. Page
Founder & Festival Director
FestivalDirector@AlmaFilmFestival.com


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Alma Film Festival Digital Footprint
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