Are you a high school student interested in exploring film, how to navigate filmmaking as a young person, or where to even start in the industry?
The Athena Film Festival Teen Immersive is a one-of-a-kind weekend immersive experience for high-school students (ages 14-18) to attend the premiere women’s leadership film festival in the country and engage in workshops on leadership and filmmaking.
Enrolled students benefit from a dedicated track of films curated by the Athena Film Festival team alongside intimate conversations with filmmakers and skill building workshops. Students also benefit from a behind the scenes look at what it takes to curate a nationally-recognized women’s film festival, as well as a dedicated tour of the Barnard College campus (just in case you might want to go here!).
For high school students interested in the intersection of film, representation, and leadership – this weekend program is for you!
Secure your spot here. Registration closes on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Refunds are not offered after registration has closed.
Scroll down for answers to frequently asked questions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is this program for?
Teens (14-18) of any gender are invited to attend. We will accept up to 50 participants.
What’s included in this program?
- A weekend pass to the full Athena Film Festival for the enrolled participant
- A dedicated track of films, programmed by the Athena team
- Exclusive conversations and workshops with filmmakers and VIP guests
- Swag! (including a program t-shirt)
- A 50% discount on Premier Passes and free tickets to individual films for family members of enrolled participants
- A Friday night pizza party, along with breakfast and lunch on both Saturday and Sunday
Is housing included?
No, this is not a residential program but here’s a list of hotels that are close to campus.
What is the weekend schedule?
A detailed schedule will be sent to registered participants approximately two weeks before the program begins, but we know you need to plan your travel now, so please plan to arrive by 4:30 PM on Friday, March 1, for our Welcome Party. (If you want to take an official campus tour, plan to arrive by 3 PM for a 3:15 PM tour start time.) We’ll follow that party with our first film screening.
On Saturday, March 2, we’ll begin at 9 AM with breakfast and end the day at approximately 5 PM. (You’ll have the option of staying for an additional screening, at 6 PM, if you like!)
Similarly, on Sunday, March 3, we’ll begin at 9 AM and end the day at approximately 5:30 PM. (You’ll again have the option of staying for an additional screening, at 6 PM, if you like!)
I registered. What now?
You can expect to hear from us approximately two weeks before the program kicks off. We will be reaching out with:
- A student survey and parental waiver.
- A detailed guidebook that includes a map of campus, staff and student contact information, and the detailed schedule of events.
You can direct any questions in the meantime to athenafilmfestival@gmail.com.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Just your undivided attention. Feel free to leave behind notebooks and pens, computers, tablets and phones – and get ready for hands-on learning!
MEET THE PROGRAM TEAM!
Umbreen Bhatti, Director, Athena Center for Leadership
Umbreen Bhatti ’00 returned to Barnard in April 2019 to guide the Athena Center into its next chapter. Previously, Umbreen led the innovation lab at KQED, the Bay Area’s NPR | PBS station, and earlier in her career, practiced law.
Umbreen also serves on the boards of Global Press, a news organization dedicated to reinventing the craft and business of international journalism by recruiting diverse populations of local women and training them to become professional, ethical journalists, and Catchlight, a hybrid nonprofit media organization combining the practices of art, journalism and social justice.
Bella Pechaty, Post-Baccalaureate Fellow, Athena Film Festival
Isabella Pechaty (she/her) is the Post-Baccalaureate Fellow for the Athena Film Festival. She has a background in communications and film production, and her research interests include revising film and media theories and production models for the digital age. She graduated with a degree in Film from Barnard College in May 2023, and plans to pursue a graduate degree and a career in film criticism and arts journalism.
