HPIFF leads a mentorship program with the students of Franklin High School. These programs further our goals of educating young filmmakers at schools in North East Los Angeles. Our program provides students with film workshops, volunteer opportunities at all our screening events and an invitation to screen their own works alongside professional filmmakers. Most importantly, the mentorship program gives the participating students a voice as they become storytellers in their own right and are also a hands-on participant in producing the film footage which tells their story. 

We work alongside educators who coordinate the program with us and we are grateful for their dedication to enrich their students' education.  Here is Franklin High School educator Yim Tam describing the outcomes of our program: "I love how HPIFF empowers my students, especially the females.  Many of my students are more confident after their mentorship with HPIFF.   In most cases this is the first time my students are even exposed to careers in the film industry.  HPIFF helps my students grow professionally and personally.  When we are done with the process, we are left with a finished film that everyone is proud of.  This mentorship is priceless and I look forward to working with the Highland Park Independent Film Festival for the rest of my teaching career!".