NEW YORK—“On My Block”(OMB) is an inspirational film challenge that aims to bring together communities around New York. Your family and neighbors are set to become cast and crew in a short film/documentary that will capture life on your block.
This is a fun project to explore your community and put your creative skills to work. It is “hoping to bring the neighborhood culture together through the collaborative process of filmmaking,” said Mary Crosse, director of On My Block Films. “We also hope to create a really great library of stories and videos from across the city.”
Local filmmakers Ryan O'Hara Theisen and Mary Crosse began the project inspired by the benefits it will bring both to participants and viewers. “It’s a really great excuse to reach out and meet the people on your block. … Communities can become much stronger if you just know the people around you.”
Never made a film? No need to worry. Whether you own an iPhone or a video camera, you’re fit to enter. The OMB website gives simple guidelines walking you through the filmmaking process. In addition, a group of volunteer filmmakers will be online to offer assistance throughout the process.
“It’s just a fun project ... for people to see the block and their neighbors on video,” said Crosse. Submissions are due by Oct. 31 so start talking with your neighbors! The challenge will climax with the screening of the top 15 films at an OMB film festival on Nov. 17.
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