Local teen learns to cope through film making

Posted: Feb 3, 2011 5:11 PM by Monica Quintero
Updated: Feb 3, 2011 9:47 PM

Santa Barbara non-profits works with aspiring teen film-makers

A local group is working to change the lives of trouble teens through making movies. Youth CineMedia is a nonprofit in Santa Barbara that started in 2002. Since then, it's helped more than 1,300 area students. KSBY News spoke to one young man who turned his life around and is using his creativity for something positive.

Among the stars at the International Film Festival last week, a future star. Juan Bello, Youth CineMedia student, said, "I'm probably going to be famous one day." The 15-year-old is on the red carpet and headed in a better direction. Before getting involved with Youth CineMedia two years ago, he faced serious challenges at school. Bello said, "Yes, I was in trouble but now that I've gone to this program it has really changed my life."

The at-risk teens also have a chance to produce documentaries on topics they feel passionate about. There is one documentary that will soon be showcased. It features ten incarcerated youth who open up their hearts to give viewers an insight into their lives behind bars for murder and drug deals gone bad. They also talk about gang life and the tragic decisions that forever altered their lives.

Regina Ruiz, Youth CineMedia Co-Director, said, "The impact that this has on every kids life, you see it first in their attitude. Then, you see it in their home life and you see it go into their school life. Bello said, "It has helped me see things in a different way." The program is changing one local teen at a time. Bello never thought he'd be on the red carpet and despite having a troubled past, it seems he's now a star in the making.

The documentary that will soon be showcased is called "My Life: Real Stories by Incarcerated Youth." It along with a couple of other documentaries by the students will be shown this Sunday, February 6th starting at 10 am at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara.