Amir Thompson, an alumni of the Truman High School media program, recently achieved a major milestone in his budding film career. Over the summer, Amir completed his first film as part of the prestigious Ghetto Film School (GFS) 101 program. The film, selected by his peers, was voted among the top 10 films produced and was screened at a live event at the Alamo Drafthouse in Brooklyn, New York, last Wednesday.
Amir is one of two former Truman media students to join GFS, alongside fellow 2024 graduate Alex Lewin. Both Amir and Alex graduated in June 2024, while current senior Jayden Gonzalez also joined the GFS program this July. They join two other Truman graduates, Jeshua Guerrero-Lopez and Brianna Wright, who were accepted into the program last year after graduating in 2023. Together, they represent Truman’s growing presence in the GFS community.
Mr. David Roush, Amir’s former media teacher, expressed his pride in Amir’s achievements: “I couldn’t be more proud of Amir and the work he’s done. His growth as a filmmaker has been incredible to watch, and this recognition is a testament to his dedication and talent. The Truman media program strives to give students the foundational skills they need to thrive in environments like the Ghetto Film School, and Amir’s success is a shining example of that.”
The Truman media program offers students hands-on experience in film and digital media, preparing them for opportunities like Ghetto Film School and beyond. Through rigorous training in production, storytelling, and editing, students leave the program equipped to pursue advanced studies and careers in media.
Ghetto Film School, founded in 2000 in the South Bronx by Joe Hall, is a nonprofit organization designed to help young storytellers from underrepresented communities. The school’s signature program, the Fellows Program, is a free, 30-month immersive experience that provides high school students with hands-on training in cinematic storytelling. In addition to learning production and storytelling techniques, students have the opportunity to travel internationally for their thesis projects. GFS has expanded to include locations in Los Angeles and London, and its alumni network, called the Roster Program, helps graduates find industry opportunities with top-tier partners like Netflix and Red Bull.
Congratulations to Amir Thompson on this incredible accomplishment! We look forward to seeing where his passion for filmmaking will take him next.
