For the second year in a row, Hamlin students Ella, Maggie, Charlotte and Caitlin took the stage in Noe Valley to welcome films and filmmakers from all over the world. This year’s event had movies submitted by girls from Croatia, Germany, India, and Canada (among others). 240 people were in attendance to enjoy short films made by girls 14 years and under.

Indigo, a Grade 8 Hamlin student opened the show with her film Not on the Screen that confronts stereotypes and the lack of ethnic diversity in Hollywood. Another highlight was guest speaker and filmmaker Samantha Grant, who urged the audience to have courage, take risks, show your soul, and put your work out there. San Francisco Supervisor Jeff Sheehy presented the Noe Valley Girls Film Festival team with a certificate of honor signed by the entire Board of Supervisors, acknowledging their contribution to the community.

Establishing such a successful film festival is quite an endeavor. The girls raised over $4,000 from bake sales; cold called real estate businesses to gain sponsors, designed t-shirts, formatted films, and maintained ongoing communication with both filmmakers and judges.

A Hamlin parent shared, I could see Hamlin’s influence in the film festival work. Their fearless public speaking, their values, giving girls a voice, showcasing how young women can inspire other women through film.

Charlotte adds, it was really cool, at the end we invited all of the girls who made a film to come up and take the stage. It was so great to see over 20 girls standing proudly.

To watch the films please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTb8YiNphv0&list=PLxpE9p8l_bkSOz3Phs8hYFM-g-Gv6rAKd

To read an article in the San Francisco Chronicle about the festival please visit: http://www.sfchronicle.com/movies/article/Noe-Valley-girls-take-female-empowerment-film-12177362.php

Noe Valley Girls Film Festival website: http://www.nvgff.com/