Film Futures Foundation: Local Nonprofit Aims to Empower
Appalachian Filmmakers and Diversify the Economy
Hurricane, West Virginia – A new nonprofit organization, Film Futures Foundation (FFF), has been launched with a mission to empower underserved communities in the Appalachian Region through the art of filmmaking. FFF aims to provide access to filmmaking resources, education, and opportunities, fostering a vibrant and inclusive film community in an underserved region.
“Film is a powerful tool for self-expression, creativity, and social change. However, many individuals in the Appalachian Region have faced limited access to the resources and opportunities needed to participate in the film industry. Film Futures Foundation seeks to bridge this gap by democratizing filmmaking and empowering a new generation of storytellers and content creators,” said Justin Williams, Co-Founder of FFF.
The primary goals of Film Futures Foundation are:
Providing Access: FFF is committed to providing individuals in the Appalachian
Region with access to filmmaking equipment, resources, and educational programs.
Through a camera and film gear rental program, aspiring filmmakers will have the necessary tools to bring their stories to life.
Education and Workshops: FFF will offer comprehensive workshops and training programs to demystify the filmmaking process and develop the skills of budding filmmakers. These programs will cover various aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, cinematography, editing, and storytelling.
Community Engagement: FFF actively engages with local communities to raise awareness about the power of film and the opportunities it can bring. By partnering with schools, community centers, and local organizations, FFF aims to inspire and mentor young filmmakers, fostering a sense of community and creating positive change through the medium of film.
“When I was contacted about serving on the board at FFF, I was excited to be included, “said West Virginia State Senator Mark Maynard. “Movies and the entertainment industry have always intrigued me and I want to be an asset to the organization, not only to help facilitate movie making here in the Mountain State, but to make strides in attracting ancillary parts of the movie industry here. My goal is to connect streaming services as well as Hollywood to our great state.”
By promoting diverse and inclusive perspectives, Film Futures Foundation seeks to empower individuals to tell their stories and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable film industry. Tijah Bumgarner, Board member and Assistant Professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communications Coordinator in the Video Production Program at Marshall University stated the importance of growing more filmmaking opportunities locally. “Here, at home, students have important stories to tell. Film Futures Foundation can work to create access for those stories to be told and shared with a large audience.”
The organization believes that by amplifying underrepresented voices, greater understanding and empathy can be fostered among community members. “We are incredibly excited to launch Film Futures Foundation and begin our work in empowering Appalachian filmmakers,” said Ashley Stinnett, Co- Founder of FFF. “By providing access to resources, education, and community support, we aim to ignite a creative spark and inspire the next generation of storytellers in the region. We strongly believe in the power of film to create positive change and foster greater representation and diversity in the industry.”
Chris Tatum, mayor of Barboursville and Board Member, said West Virginia is poised to be a filmmaker’s destination. “It just makes sense. There is a massive economic boom for everyone at the table when the industry comes to town. And production companies are starting to find out how perfect our area is for film and television,” Tatum said. “I’m very happy to be part of this Film Futures Foundation to help grow the industry in our area.”
Film Futures Foundation, in conjunction with the West Virginia Film Office, will be hosting a multi-day workshop in November focusing on production assistant training. As part of workforce development training and outreach, FFF has plans to host future workshops geared towards entry level film production job positions.
Dave Lavender, Apprentice Program Coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Economic Development Office stated the West Virginia Film Office is excited to see a new non-profit in the Mountain State working towards diversifying the workforce through the film industry.
“At the WV Film Office, we are grateful and excited for the birth of such groups as Film Futures Foundation whose founders are in the film industry and who truly understand and support all that West Virginia has to offer. They understand that when production companies come to the Mountain State– to not only leverage the new film tax credit and a lower cost of doing business—they are also directly contributing to the build out of the film industry workforce which helps to foster and grow the industry,” Lavender said. “Founders Ashley Stinnett and Justin Williams know bringing in, and also lifting up in-state film productions, helps not only fuel a production-based economy with lodging, catering, services and workforce but that film, TV, gaming and creative content productions are quite often a catalyst for long-term evergreen tourism as well,” he continued.
Film Futures Foundation welcomes partnerships, collaborations, and donations to support its mission. Individuals and organizations interested in learning more about the organization, getting involved, or making a contribution can visit www.filmfuturesfoundation.com.
About Film Futures Foundation: Film Futures Foundation (FFF) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved communities in the Appalachian Region to tell their stories through film and to educate the broader community on the art of filmmaking. FFF aims to provide access to filmmaking resources, equipment, and education, inspiring a new generation of storytellers and content creators. By promoting diverse and inclusive perspectives, FFF strives to foster greater understanding and empathy among community members and create positive change through the power of film. For more information about Film Futures Foundation, visit www.filmfuturesfoundation.com.
“At the WV Film Office, we are grateful and excited for the birth of such groups as Film Futures Foundation whose founders are in the film industry and who truly understand and support all that West Virginia has to offer. They understand that when production companies come to the Mountain State– to not only leverage the new film tax credit and a lower cost of doing business—they are also directly contributing to the build out of the film industry workforce which helps to foster and grow the industry,” Lavender said.
“Founders Ashley Stinnett and Justin Williams know bringing in, and also lifting up in-state film productions, helps not only fuel a production-based economy with lodging, catering, services and workforce but that film, TV, gaming and creative content productions are quite often a catalyst for long-term evergreen tourism as well,” he continued.
Film Futures Foundation welcomes partnerships, collaborations, and donations to
support its mission. Individuals and organizations interested in learning more about the organization, getting involved, or making a contribution can visit www.filmfuturesfoundation.com.
About Film Futures Foundation: Film Futures Foundation (FFF) is a registered
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved communities in the Appalachian Region to tell their stories through film and to educate the broader community on the art of filmmaking. FFF aims to provide access to filmmaking resources, equipment, and education, inspiring a new generation of storytellers and content creators. By promoting diverse and inclusive perspectives, FFF strives to foster greater understanding and empathy among community members and create positive change through the power of film. For more information about Film Futures Foundation, visit www.filmfuturesfoundation.com.