NEVADA CITY, CA — The award-winning Nevada City Film Festival (NCFF) is proud to announce the launch of its new Film Studies Program, designed to inspire the next generation of storytellers while building real-world skills through the art of filmmaking.
The first initiative in this multi-tiered program, Cinema in Schools, is now bringing media arts, literacy, and digital wellbeing education directly to Nevada County K-8th grade classrooms. Developed and taught by long-time educator, actor, and artist Kimberly Ewing, this free, interactive, assembly-style program uses multimedia presentations, short film clips, and student participation to teach the building blocks of filmmaking—while empowering students to think critically about the media they create and consume.
“Film is one of the most powerful ways young people can express themselves and understand the world around them,” says Ewing. “Through Cinema in Schools, we’re giving students the tools to tell their stories responsibly and creatively in a digital age.”
The Cinema in Schools program blends Social Emotional Learning (SEL), STEAM, and digital citizenship education, helping students gain confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills. By combining skits, hands-on exploration, and media literacy lessons, students learn how to live, learn, and thrive safely in today’s digital world.
Ewing will lead five assemblies at local schools, with more scheduled for 2026. And so far the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Kids and teachers alike seem to be enjoying the STEP INTO A FILM SET & PLAY IN A SKIT during the assembly, we talk about wise choices, peer pressure, self-doubt and other SEL connections,” says Ewing.
Future phases of NCFF’s Film Studies Program will expand beyond classrooms to offer special workshops, filmmaker visits, and hands-on classes in areas such as animation, cinematography, sound design, and film scoring. The program also provides opportunities for young filmmakers to showcase their work at the annual Nevada City Film Festival and other local screenings throughout the year.
“We want to make filmmaking accessible to every student,” says Jesse Locks, Executive Director of the Nevada City Film Festival. “By connecting professional filmmakers with local classrooms, we’re helping students see that storytelling, creativity, and technical skills can open doors – both artistically and professionally.”
With over two decades of celebrating independent cinema, the Nevada City Film Festival continues to evolve as a creative hub that supports media literacy, cross-cultural awareness, and a lifelong appreciation for film. Through the Film Studies Program, NCFF is ensuring that the culture of cinema appreciation and digital storytelling thrives for generations to come.
For more information about the Film Studies Program or to bring Cinema in Schools to your school, visit www.nevadacityfilmfestival.com or contact Jesse Locks at jesse@nevadacityfilmfestival.com.