Upcoming Storytellers Empowers Louisville Youth Through Hands-On Filmmaking Program,Culminating in Public Movie Premiere

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Story Overview
Upcoming Storytellers, a Louisville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is preparing the next generation of filmmakers through its annual Summer Film Program.
During the week-long program (July 20–24), students ages 14–18 work alongside professional filmmakers from Media Pros Productions to create original short films from concept to completion.
Rather than attending lectures, students write, produce, film, act, direct, and edit professional-quality productions using industry-standard equipment.
The experience concludes with a public red-carpet double-feature premiere at Cinemark Tinseltown Louisville on Saturday, July 25, where students will debut two original films:

  • 50mm Grit
  • The Drift
    The event is free and open to the public.

Key Story Angles

  • Louisville youth gaining real-world career experience in film and digital media.
  • Students working with professional cameras, lighting, sound, directing, editing, and
    production teams.
  • Young filmmakers premiering their work in a commercial movie theater.
  • Building confidence, leadership, teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving
    through storytelling.
  • Removing financial barriers by offering the program at no cost to students.
  • Community partnerships helping provide transportation and access.
    About Upcoming Storytellers
    Upcoming Storytellers is a Louisville-based nonprofit dedicated to preparing the next generation of
    storytellers through hands-on education in filmmaking, photography, podcasting, and digital media.
    Students gain real-world experience by working alongside industry professionals on meaningful
    creative projects that prepare them for college, careers, and the creative economy.

Event Information
Upcoming Storytellers Double Feature Premiere

  • Saturday, July 25, 2026
  • Doors Open: 6:00 PM
  • Films Begin: 6:15 PM
  • Cinemark Tinseltown Louisville
  • 4400 Towne Center Drive
  • Louisville, KY 40241
    Admission is free.

Interview Opportunities

  • Brelin Tilford, Co-Founder
  • Ellyn Tilford, Co-Founder
  • Student filmmakers
  • Parents
  • Media Pros mentors
  • Community partners

B-Roll Opportunities

  • Students filming on professional cameras
  • Directing actors
  • Editing footage
  • Audio recording
  • Crew collaboration
  • Behind-the-scenes production
  • Premiere audience reactions
  • Red carpet arrivals
  • Q&A with students after the screening

Call to Action
The community is invited to attend this free event, celebrate Louisville’s next generation of storytellers, and help ensure more young people have access to opportunities like this.
Donations made during the event will directly support Upcoming Storytellers’ mission to provide free, hands-on filmmaking experiences and prepare students for careers in the creative industries.

To setup an interview (in-studio or onsite) contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

The VIPP Report: Hideaway Festival Comes to Louisville this Sunday

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HideawayFestival

Giving the whole family something to do under one roof

You are invited to the first ever technology, arts and music festival in Louisville.  This year’s event will be held in the Germantown neighborhood on Sunday, October 7th starting at 2:30pm at the Art Sanctuary located at 1433 South Shelby Street.

The Hideaway Fest is a day filled with a mix of music, comedy, interactive art and groundbreaking technology programs. From 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. there will be opportunities to network along with a panel discussion of technology influencers of Louisville which includes Paige Battcher from Kistmet Ideas, Raechele Gray from 1804, Clay Cook from Clay Cook Photography, Jabril Goodner from Art World among others.

Followed by performances from the likes of Apalatin, Stanliv, Vonda, Picasso Cleezy, Dom B & Rommel from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. with additional names added daily. As you listen to the artists and explore Louisville’s best food trucks, live paintings, multiple art exhibits and vendors all at one location.

Tickets are $15 for early bird admission $35 for VIP which includes express lines to food vendors and access to other VIP sanctioned areas.  You can purchase advance tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hideaway-fest-tickets-49544442762.

A portion of all the proceeds will go toward the Americana Community Centers Youth programming to fund their resources for creative technology such as computers, cameras, iPads and, software.

Americana provides comprehensive programs to immigrants, refugees, and low-income individuals in Louisville. These programs enable people to overcome the challenges of integrating into a new community and of living below the poverty line. Learn more about the Americana Community Center at americanacc.org.

Please post and/or announce the inaugural Hideway Festival held on Sunday, October 7th.  If you would like to setup an interview contact VIPP Communications by email at info@vippcommunications.com.