JARICO FILMS FOR YOUTH

Jarico Films for Youth is a not-for-profit Film Production company that provides professional learning opportunities for youth to explore their love of filmmaking and acting through workshops, and real-life opportunities in the film industry.

At Jarico Films, we believe in the power of storytelling to create change. By offering hands-on workshops, mentorship programs, summer camps, and real-world experience in the film industry, we provide youth with a supportive environment to develop their skills, grow their confidence, and find their creative voices. We are here to help young talent transform their passion into artistry, preparing them for a meaningful future in film.

WHAT WE DO!

  • RUSH YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL

    RUSH is a multi-day takeover of the Niagara Region — packed with short film screenings, panels, live feedback sessions, special events, and moments that only happen when filmmakers and audiences share the same room.

    MORE DETAILS

  • RUSH AFTER DARK FILM FESTIVAL

    RUSH After Dark is a, celebration of horror, grindhouse, and genre films that live on the edge of mainstream cinema.

    submit your film

  • RUSH SHORT FILM CHALLENGES

    Our Short Film Challenges are adrenaline-fueled competitions where teams of filmmakers race against the clock to create a short film from scratch under incredible time constraints.

    see last year's winners

  • SHORT FILM BOOTCAMP

    With mentors by their side, participants will learn the art of storytelling, film production, and post-production, resulting in a cinematic masterpiece that's showcased at a glittering red carpet gala attended by family, friends, and the public.

    Watch

  • pitch night

    Pitch your projects to industry professionals for a chance to win a Development Assistance Package Each Pitch Night winner will advance to the year-end competition, where one filmmaker will have their film produced by Jarico Films for Youth.

    DETAILS COMING SOON

  • Scene Study

    Designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to the world of acting. This class covers the basics such as script analysis, character development, working with a director etc.

    no current sessions

vision

A world where young people can tell their stories in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.

MISSION

To provide youth with a variety of opportunities to learn the art and business of filmmaking & acting.

values

We are dedicated to empowering youth through transformative experiences in filmmaking and acting. We provide exceptional learning opportunities that foster creativity, collaboration, and personal growth By amplifying underepresented voices and igniting positive social change. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to artistic excellence, we aim to create impactful experiences that nurture a vibrant arts community.

board of directors

Jarico Films for Youth is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors comprised of community leaders, educators, and industry professionals who bring decades of experience in film, marketing, education, and production.

Together, they provide strategic vision and mentorship to ensure the organization fulfills its mission of empowering young storytellers. With backgrounds spanning the secondary and post-secondary education sectors, professional film production, and creative marketing, our board members share a deep commitment to supporting youth, fostering artistic excellence, and strengthening Niagara’s creative community.

  • ERICA SHERWOOD

    PRESIDENT & ACTING COACH

  • JASON LUPISH

    TREASURER & PROGRAM DIRECTOR

  • MELODY SARGENT

    SECRETARY

  • MICKAEL KRASNAY

    BOARD MEMBER & EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT

  • ADRIAN THIESSEN

    BOARD MEMBER

  • CHRIS KERR

    BOARD MEMBER & MARKETING CONSULTANT

JOIN OUR BOARD of directors

If you’re passionate about youth, storytelling, and the arts, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact.

With an ambitious growth plan for the next five years, we’re looking to expand our Board of Directors. We are seeking up to five new Directors who are equally excited about our vision, mission and values. Members are elected on an annual basis, with the expectation that Directors commit to at least a two-year term.

As a board member with Jarico Films for Youth, you’ll help guide our vision, support emerging talent, and strengthen Niagara’s creative community.

apply today

Our vision includes:

Supporting a local film ecosystem through community development

Constructing a state-of-the-art production & educational facility to attract small–medium sized productions to Niagara

Growing our annual film festival, RUSH, into a major cultural event

Developing a State-of-the-Art Production & Educational Facility

This new creative hub will feature professional standing sets, flexible studio space, classrooms, incubator pods for creators, and opportunities for training that prepare young filmmakers for real industry work. This facility will serve as a magnet for small–medium sized productions looking for an affordable, film-friendly alternative to the GTA.