The mission of Black Girl Film School is to provide online film production and digital media for girls interested in pursuing a career in TV, film, and animation before entering college. The immersive 12-week courses are designed to help girls in underserved communities learn skills they need to apply to college and pursue a career path in this field.
“I founded Black Girl Film School for girls who have a creative side but also have technical skills and ambitions so they would have a place to explore both of those interests,” said BGFS Director Jayda Imanlihen.
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“We’re serious about the tech we use. We have our own LMS [learning management system], and what we create for students is a reflection of my expertise over the past decade designing high impact media that enhances and elevates the learning experience for students,” she stated.
“We focus on delivering our courses online to remove barriers, to broaden the scope of the type of students that we can serve, and to give students an experience using filmmaking they couldn’t otherwise get in person.”
The completion rate for girls accepted into the BGFS Film Foundations program boasts an efficiency rating of over 90%.
“The issue of that last 10% is the lack of equipment, like a computer or access to a laptop. We’re hoping to get more resources to remedy that,” she said.
Imanlihen is also the director of Multimedia Design and Production at USC Bovard College.
“The online programs that we design at USC are Master’s programs. Oftentimes, this platform works better than in-person. An experience like this can be transformative in both education and in professional trajectory,” she stated.
BGFS is supplied with up-to-date career information through partnerships with industry professionals.
“One of our biggest partnerships is with the Motion Picture Association of America, which provides data for us. Another is the U.S. Copyright Office, which promotes the economic viability of a filmmaking career. Women hold the least amount of copyright in the US, so we’re not fully participating in that process,” she said.
The busy executive is also a mother of three boys.
“I’m embedded in their education, so I prioritize time with them. Any mother who wears all of these different hats has to keep your Why at the forefront of what you’re doing. Because if that’s clear, then Why you’re doing it is consistent throughout all of those endeavors,” she concluded.
Graduates of Black Girl Film School have been offered undergraduate and graduate admission to Columbia University, Stanford University, New York University, Spelman College, Howard University, Northwestern University, Barnard College, and more.
“Each course I’ve taken has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of filmmaking, like cinematography and editing. [Either] I’m learning something new or deepening my understanding of what exists,” noted Anaya Nicole, a BGFS student.
“I wondered if other applicants were experienced in multiple film classes, but I knew this program would be fulfilling. I plan to one day create my own production company, like [Manhattan-based TV and film company] A24,” shared Zahra Bello, also a BGFS student.
“The best part was the Master Classes with Black female professionals, who are currently working and navigating the film industry. Hats off to Jayda and BGFS for inspiring our girls with the possibilities,” said Ayanna Murray, a student and a parent.
For more information, visit: blackgirlfilmschool.com.
