DONATE TO NOVAC ON THIS GIVENOLADAY

Working in film here in Louisiana is so gratifying, with our community of hardworking, passionate, and deeply thoughtful filmworkers and storytellers. And yet, its a deeply difficult place to try and foster a filmmaking industry at the same time. New Orleans lacks the infrastructure and excess of business that could allow it to be a thriving film landscape like NYC or LA. However, what New Orleans doesn’t lack is a passion and deep commitment to its people and the place they call home. The artists of New Orleans are unlike any others in the world, and their voices deserve to be fostered and told with the best support there is. 

That’s why I’m reaching out today as a GiveNola Ambassador for the New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC) to ask if you can donate just $10 to our GiveNola Day campaign. This year, we’re raising funds for our Youth Services and Preservation Services Programs. We are raising $20,000.  Your heartfelt tax-deductible donation directly supports these programs.  A $10 minimum donation goes a long way.

We use grants, payment for services, and private donations to fund these impactful programs that empower our community storytellers across generations.

We need your support and generosity to help sustain these impactful programs at NOVAC.  

Our Born Digital Youth Program develops young future creatives, ages 8 to 24, from diverse backgrounds in South Louisiana who can use digital media training opportunities to develop high-wage and low-barrier entry to careers.  We do this through Digital Media CTE Courses for High School, Teacher Training, Youth Workshops, and Summer Camps.

This past fall, I actually had the privilege, and the life-changing experience, of facilitating an 8-month Premiere Pro Editing Pre-Apprenticeship for youths 16 to 24 as a part of Born Digital’s Youth Programs. 

Over weeks of instruction, the students in my course learned about and developed their understanding of the practice, craft, and history of editing, not just through lectures, but with hands-on projects, which allowed each student to make fully edited pieces like commercials, documentaries, and narrative shorts. 

Through this experience, I saw firsthand the impact and emotional and mental growth that come from helping underserved youth develop and find their voice through film. 

If you click the link here, you’ll be able to contribute to our mission. What we’re doing at NOVAC is invaluable, and it would mean the world if you supported our efforts with a donation. 

Thank you so much! 

With love and gratitude, 

Zain Hashmat

Youth Services Instructor