About Reel Voices: Since 2005, the Pacific Arts Movement has empowered local high school students to develop their own sense of creative self-expression through the art of documentary filmmaking.
This 8-week summer program offers students a unique pathway to become socially-conscious storytellers as they explore various writing, lighting, editing, and camera techniques throughout all of the stages of film production.
Students will choose their own topics and are encouraged to experiment with their storytelling styles ranging from self love, mental health, social issues, cultural identity and more. This process will help the students produce non-fiction films that are simultaneously thought-provoking and inspiring for not only high school age students, but the broader San Diego community.
For inspiration and a sense of our program, you can watch last year's student films on YouTube.
Who Can Apply: No technical experience is necessary. Any local high school student that meets the grade level requirements and is interested in producing their own documentary film can apply. We encourage students to consider their Summer schedule (class information below) and that in the case their schedules are not compatible, to consider applying a different year. No absences are allowed during the program.
Program Details: The classes runs two days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays (June 16th to Aug 6th, 2025) from 10AM to 3PM in person at our Reel Voices office, with optional editing hours after class. The workload is approximately 20-25 hours a week, 10 hours in class and 5-15 hours outside of class, for 8 weeks.
Camera equipment is provided, but students are welcome to use their own. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Pacific Arts Movement office located in the Convoy District.
All films created will debut at the San Diego Asian Film Festival in November, students are invited to participate in the gala where they are recognized by the public for their project and receive a $500 scholarship for completing the program and premiering their film at SDAFF. More info at https://pacarts.org/reel-voices/
Class Schedule:
June 16th - August 6th 2026
Tuesday & Thursday
10am-3pm
Location:
Pacific Arts Movement
7675 Dagget Street Suite 360
San Diego, CA 92111
Important Dates:
- March 22nd - Final day to submit applications.
- March 29 - April 3rd - Finalist interviews
- April 23 - April 26 - Spring Showcase (optional attendance)
- June 16th - First day of Reel Voices
- Aug 6th - Last day of Reel Voices
- Nov 5th - Nov 14th - The 26th San Diego Asian Film Festival
- Nov 7th - Pacific Arts Movement Gala and Awards
- Nov 8th - Reel Voices film premiere during the San Diego Asian Film Festival
Please feel free to contact the Instructor, Moriah Hayes moriah@pacarts.org, with any questions you might have about the program. We look forward to reading your applications!