Arts & Entertainment
West Side Filmmaking Program Empowers Teens to Challenge Narratives About Their Communities
On a recent weeknight, a group of students sat working on a script. They’re part of Luv City, a film production operation focused on youth violence prevention on Chicago’s West Side. Students delve into the world of digital media — learning about film production, editing, photography and acting.
“Our most important mission is to be inspirational,” said Andre Rodriguez, founder and CEO of Luv City. “A lot of the violence comes from hopelessness. There’s nothing to live for, so now you’re not scared of nothing. If I’m feeling pain, you’re gonna feel pain. So we need to start healing some of that pain.”
Rodriguez said the organization stemmed from his desire to connect with his son after spending 10 years in prison.
After his release at age 39, Rodriguez became a mentor for a violence prevention program in Pilsen. There, he noticed how smartphones played a role in connecting with young people.
“Long story short, I taught myself how to shoot and edit music videos,” Rodriguez said. “Once we started putting those music videos out, now I had young people from different neighborhoods reaching out and trying to work with me. So that’s when I knew I had something.”
What started as an experiment grew into Luv City. In 2022, Rodriguez received a state grant and moved the program to its own space in Garfield Park. Students can tell their own stories via short films, music videos and a podcast.
Luv City gives participants like 16-year-old Isaiah Nieves opportunities to explore acting.
For 14-year-old Leah Marquez, it was the ability to learn more about photography — and “not just photography,” she said, “we also did a design of clothing, and I really liked it because it gave me an opportunity I never thought I would have.”
Programming is offered throughout the year, allowing participants to enroll in courses and get the chance to write, produce and star in their own short films. They explore topics ranging from the emotions of a first date to the struggles of drug addiction and gang violence.
“Part of our job here is to make these kids realize that what they have to say does matter,” Rodriguez said. “That they have a lot of potential. I’m mad at myself that I didn’t believe in myself earlier in life.”
Students’ projects challenge assumptions people may have of their communities, Rodriguez said.
On April 27, Luv City will showcase several of the participants’ short films at the AMC Galewood Theater from 2-5 p.m.
