The 2024 KITS Film Awards, hosted by actress Kim Coles and Dr. Dawnn Lewis, celebrated the creativity and accomplishments of foster and opportunity youth in film and storytelling. Held at Paramount Pictures Studios, the event showcased the transformative power of the Script-to-Screen program and the Production Studio with Purpose, both of which offer foster youth hands-on filmmaking experience and a platform to share their stories.
This year’s awards honored Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.) with the Gary Burrell Humanitarian Award for her advocacy in justice reform and equity, particularly within the foster care system. Dr. Charity Chandler-Cole, CEO of CASA Los Angeles, received the Jordan Award for her commitment to raising awareness about foster care through the arts. Both honorees embody KITS’ mission of systemic change and brighter futures for underserved communities.
2024 marked a milestone year for KITS, with the launch of The Next Level, a nine-month advanced filmmaking program funded by LA County. KITS also acquired the Production Studio with Purpose, providing a dedicated space for foster youth to refine their filmmaking skills. Additionally, KITS celebrated the completion of its 100th youth-led film. Since its inception in 2009, KITS has produced over 100 youth-created films, offering young filmmakers a platform to showcase their unique voices.
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The event featured an impressive array of films that explored diverse themes. “Rags 2 Riches” highlighted the value of life’s simple pleasures, while “Lie of the Light” tackled homophobia through a horror-infused narrative. “To The Bridge” explored the pressures of post-high school choices, and “Time After Time” used time travel to explore the lessons of history.
“Guided” delved into grief and African Orishas, while “The Performance” combined ghost lore with teamwork. “Whatever It Takes” critiqued the cost of ambition, and “Project Foster” exposed systemic issues within the foster care system. “A Movie Named Sucka” examined exploitation in Black filmmaking, and “Unexpected Ties” celebrated the power of selfless love.
The evening was filled with inspiring speeches and star-studded presentations. Hosts Coles and Lewis energized the crowd, while presenters including Zach King, Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, Nika King (Euphoria), Justin Cornwell (Bel-Air), Jesse Garcia, Jon Lindstrom, and Ty Burrell (Modern Family) added glamor and gravitas to the event. Their words underscored the importance of empowering foster youth and giving them a platform to share their stories.
Tige Charity, KITS’ founder, remarked, “This night is all about celebrating the dreams and talents of foster youth. Our youth deserve to be seen and heard, and the KITS Film Awards showcase the power of giving them a platform to tell their stories their way.”
The event was a testament to KITS’ ongoing dedication to fostering creativity and self-expression. Through its Script-to-Screen program, KITS empowers foster youth aged 12-24 to write, cast, and star in their own short films, building confidence, creativity, and workforce skills. KITS also aims to create a pipeline of diverse future leaders in entertainment while promoting economic stability in underserved communities.
The 2024 KITS Film Awards were a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling. With the support of industry partners like Music Is Unity, The Canet Foundation, and U.S. Bank, KITS is providing foster youth with the resources to create and share their stories. As KITS continues to grow, the event stands as a reminder of the power of storytelling to create lasting change and amplify marginalized voices.