On The DL

Youth Media Slam!

by Sam Tremble

Fri., Oct. 20, 7-10 p.m., free, Scribe Video Center, 4212 Chestnut St., 215-222-4201, www.scribe.org

It rarely occurs to experts using "the youth problem" as a talking point to let the kids speak. Knowing that the public is missing out on their stories, Gretjen Clausing, program director of the Scribe Video Center, has organized the Youth Media Slam!, centerpiece of SVC's Youth Media Week.

"Nobody's bringing the kids into the conversation, and this is an opportunity to see young people doing that, using film as the medium to get their word out," says Clausing.

Filmmakers aged 11 to 18 will present and introduce their own six-minute films on a first-come, first-served basis. The screening is in the spirit of a poetry slam, but the opportunity to collaborate and receive feedback replaces the usual focus on competition.

The concept isn't new, but only the Youth Media Slam! brings the party, teaming up with The Girls' DJ Collective. The group follows the event's philosophy.

"They bring girls to a male-dominated field and demystify the technology," says Clausing.