First Person

Thanks from the Director

What a month! After five long years, audiences finally got to see First Person during our World Premiere at the 2008 Philadelphia Film Festival. The response was overwhelming, including two sold out houses, two standing ovations, and two major awards.

The best part of all this success was the opportunity it provided to use First Person as a tool for social change. We raised over $5,000 to provide financial assistance to Philadelphia high school students on the path to college through the First Person Trust Fund. We also brought substantial media attention to the issues facing urban public high school students.

With screening requests pouring in, another round of The College Ambassadors Project about to begin, and plans underway to use First Person as part of local and national advocacy campaigns, the good work will continue. Stay tuned!

Benjamin Herold
Producer/Director
First Person

FIRST PERSON WORLD PREMIERE

Shalisa (center) poses with the SCION Award. With her are the First Person family, Philadelphia First Lady Lisa Nutter (third from right), and Philadelphia Film Society Director Thom Cardwell (left).

Hailed as "hopeful, but heartbreaking" by the Philadelphia Inquirer, First Person took home 'Best Documentary' in the 2008 Philadelphia Film Festival (Festival of Independents) and came in 4th out of 250+ films in audience balloting. In addition, Producer/Director Benjamin Herold won the SCION Award for 'Best First-Time Film Director.'

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Youth Voices

Macho leads the Q&A after the World Premiere of First Person.

"I never thought our stories could evoke so much emotion in one room..."

In her recent blog post, Malikka thanks audiences for their outpouring of support at the First Person World Premiere. Check out all of our student blogs.

Upcoming Screenings

First Person receives a standing ovation from its first-ever audience

If you missed the First Person World Premiere, don't despair! Check us out at one these upcoming screenings:

Black Male Development Symposium
Thursday, May 8 @ 7:00 pm
Arcadia University/Village Builders Concepts, Inc.
Stiteler Auditorium, Murphy Hall
450 South Easton Road
Glenside, PA 19038.
$5 suggested donation
RSVP: bmds@arcadia.edu / 215.572.8510

The Arts Garage
Saturday, May 31 4:00 - 9:30 pm
Mural dedication, BBQ, music, & keynote speech by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter
Film screening at sunset (approx. 7:30 pm)
The Arts Garage
1533-35 Ridge Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
FREE

Check out our screening calendar for other upcoming showings.