Lights, Camera, Action! What’s Ahead This Fall at the Foundation
As we kick off a fresh season of creativity, learning, and storytelling, we are thrilled to announce our brand-new, star-studded speaker series for the upcoming academic year! Whether our students are passionate about spine-chilling scares, deeply moving human narratives, the inner workings of Academy Award-winning storytelling, or the technical mastery of the craft, our upcoming workshop lineup has something extraordinary for everyone.
Here is a sneak peek at the incredible talent joining us in the coming months to mentor the next generation of filmmakers:
October — Horror Film Directors: Just in time for the spooky season, we’ll dive deep into the craft of suspense, practical effects, and psychological storytelling with masters of the horror genre. Students will learn how to build tension and keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
December — Drama & Narrative Directors: As the year winds down, we shift focus to character-driven storytelling. Acclaimed narrative directors will join us to discuss how to extract powerful, authentic performances and translate complex human emotions onto the screen.
February — Oscar Film Directors & Screenwriters: In the heart of award season, we welcome visionary filmmakers and writers whose work has captured global acclaim. They will share insights into the journey from a blank page to the Academy Awards stage.
May — Actors, Editors & Directors of Photography (DPs): To round out our spring semester, we celebrate the ultimate collaborative efforts of filmmaking. Hear directly from top-tier talent across acting, editing, and cinematography on how these vital roles breathe life into a director’s vision.
These workshops are designed to inspire, educate, and connect our students with working industry professionals who are shaping the future of cinema. Stay tuned for official RSVP links and schedule details in our upcoming announcements—you won’t want to miss a single session!
Celebrating Our Community: Looking Back at an Unforgettable Summer of Connection and Impact
As the warm days of summer draw to a close, we are taking a moment to reflect and express our deepest gratitude to the incredible network of volunteers, mentors, and community members who poured their time and passion into our recent programs. From the energy of our youth media workshops to the wonderful turnout at events like the Legacy Appreciation Picnic at Golden Park, your dedication is the heartbeat of everything we do. It takes a village to empower the next generation of storytellers, and seeing our community come together to celebrate shared milestones, support student growth, and build lasting bonds has been nothing short of inspiring.
Looking back at the memories created this summer—from park gatherings to hands-on classroom creativity—reminds us just how strong our foundation truly is. Thank you to every individual who stepped up to mentor, assist, and cheer on our youth. As we transition into an exciting new season of learning and film production, we carry this momentum forward, knowing that our community’s passion is limitless. Here is to celebrating our shared impact and continuing to build a vibrant, creative future together!
Behind the Magic: Recapping Our Special Summer Movie Night with Storyboard Artist Brandon Moon
Summer movie nights are always special, but our recent online gathering brought an extra layer of inspiration for our young creators! On Saturday, July 18, the Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation hosted a Free Online Watch Party featuring Disney and Pixar’s Elio. Families and students logged in for more than just a film—it turned into a vibrant, interactive community hangout complete with live animation trivia and behind-the-scenes insights.
The highlight of the event was a special live appearance and Q&A with talented storyboard artist Brandon Moon. Brandon gave our students a fascinating look behind the curtain, sharing what it is really like to work in professional animation, how storyboards bring characters to life, and advice for aspiring young artists following their creative paths. Attendees also enjoyed our live Pixar Trivia Challenge right after the credits rolled and kicked off the afternoon with a fun door prize drawing for early birds. Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable afternoon of art, film, and community connection!
Foundation: Save The Date Events:
Online Film Screening, The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act : October 3, 2026:
Online Film Workshop Horror Film Directors: October 3, 2026
Scriptwriting Contest Deadline: October 30, 2026
Support Us
The foundation accepts donations throughout the year for all of its programs. If you would like to donate to the foundation, please visit our website at https://barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org and click “Support Us” in the top right corner.
