Press & Events

2019 Photos from the Red Carpet

Thanks to all who celebrated with us at the 2019 YDA Premiere at Colorado College.  Here are some photos from the red carpet!

2019 YDA Premiere Date Announced

FILMS THAT SURPRISE AND PROVOKE | 2019 Film Premiere Join the Youth Documentary Academy’s newest class of filmmakers at the premiere screening of their films on Monday, December 2, 2019 at the Cornerstone Arts Center at Colorado College.  YDA, along with our partners at Pikes Peak Community College, Colorado College … Read more »

CPR: Teen Filmmakers On Life As Children Of Immigrants

Originally written by Andrea Dukakis, October 15, 2019 “Films by two Colorado teenagers tell the stories of children caught between two worlds. ‘Love Me,’ is about Josh Sun’s upbringing as the son of Chinese immigrants, the pressure he felt to succeed in school and his desire to forge his own … Read more »

New PBS series features films made by Colorado Springs teens

By Jennifer Mulson jen.mulson@gazette.com Originally posted on September 29, 2019 (Click Here for original post) Teen suicide, race, disability, gender and sexuality, domestic violence. These are some of the hot-button topics teens touch on during their time at the Youth Documentary Academy, a seven-week summer class for students ages 14 … Read more »

Candid Conversation About The Struggle With Youth Suicide & Depression

Originally posted on cpr.org by Ryan Warner, August 22, 2019 An 18-year-old who made a documentary called, ‘Surviving,’ talks candidly about his struggle with depression and attempted suicide, with insights from a mental health expert. Also, how John Hickenlooper’s decision to run for U.S. Senate may shape the race. Then, … Read more »

OUR TIME Broadcast – Press Release

PRESS RELEASE                                                             RELEASE DATE: September 13, 2019 ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS PREMIERES NEW TV SERIES OUR TIME ON OCTOBER 3 AWARD-WINNING STORIES BY AND … Read more »

YDA: The social practices of filmmaking and media advocacy

Emerson College Professor Gino Canella publishes an article about the Youth Documentary Academy (and our  TV series OUR TIME) in the Journal of Alternative and Community Media. Gino Canella, 2019 “Through ethnographic research and collaborative filmmaking, I examine documentary production and exhibition as social practices that foster meaningful relationships between … Read more »

2021 Master Class & Special Screenings

Join us each Tuesday evening in June for a special screening and intimate and in-depth conversation with notable documentary filmmakers from around the country. This summer, we will screen films and excerpts from four award-winning directors whose work has made significant impact nationally and internationally.  Join us for screenings and conversation as they … Read more »

YDA Filmmaker Granted “Achiever of the Year” Award

In April Samuel did a filmed interview for The Arc Pikes Peak Region who will be awarding him their “Achiever of the Year” award for his positive impact in the community through his documentary, public speaking and advocacy of people with developmental disabilities. “The Arc Pikes Peak Region is pleased to … Read more »

YDA Filmmaker Wins 2019 Young Filmmaker Award

“Colorado Short Circuit is a 2 day event featuring Award Winning shorts from Colorado Independent Filmmakers. Featuring films from Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Denver, Colorado Short Circuit showcases short films from across our region. Each hour-long film block features a collection of short films and a Q&A session with the … Read more »

While walking around Boulder, so many people came up to me and my dad to thank me for making AFTER WAR.

Bailey Francisco, 17


We were struck by how deeply students were willing to delve into difficult topics, often personal stories, and handle that material with real sensitivity.

Tara Thomas, Director of Education, Bemis School of Art