Once Upon A Frame

Once Upon a Frame is a youth filmmaking program that fosters creativity, storytelling, and hands-on production experience. Guided by Mario Herbert, author of the Adrian & Sha’tanya series, participants, age 8–11,will write original stories that are adapted into professional short films. The pilot project, The Kite Heist, launches the program while honoring the late Shawnathon Chase, whose creativity and spirit continue to inspire this initiative. While each film is produced to professional standards, the program also serves as a training ground for aspiring filmmakers aged 12–25, who will gain hands-on experience by shadowing and working alongside industry professionals at every stage of production. 

Once Upon A Frame, serves as a peace and youth engagement program, providing children and teens with a safe, structured environment to explore storytelling and filmmaking. By giving young people meaningful activities, the program keeps them positively occupied, fosters personal growth, improves literacy and communication skills, and offers a constructive alternative to street-related risks.