become a mentor

At Jarico Films for Youth, we believe the best way to grow the film industry is to open the door wider—and hold it open for someone coming up behind you.

We're looking for working professionals across all areas of film and television—directors, editors, cinematographers, designers, producers, writers, and performers—who are interested in mentoring the next generation of storytellers. This doesn’t mean giving up your day job. It means bringing your experience to the table in a way that fits your schedule, your style, and your creative values.

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Why Mentor with Jarico?

Why Mentor with Jarico?

Because someone once helped you.

Whether it was a teacher, a crew member, or someone who took a few minutes on set to explain how things work—those moments shaped your path. Now you can be that moment for someone else.

Because the next generation is hungry

Our youth participants (ages 16–35) aren’t hobbyists—they’re here to learn, collaborate, and build a real future in film. They show up ready. You show them what ready looks like.

​Because you can make a difference without burning out

We match mentors with opportunities that make sense for your availability and interests. This could be a one-time workshop, a few feedback sessions during a short film challenge, or supporting on set during a youth-led production.

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What Mentorship Can Look Like

  • A group of young people sitting on the floor in a circle on stage, engaged in a discussion, with one person standing and speaking. The stage has a blue backdrop, white curtains, and theater equipment.

    Lead a workshop

    Share your expertise in an area like lighting, production design, sound, acting, or screenwriting.

  • Group of people at a party, some holding drinks, in an indoor setting with a brick wall and large window, black-and-white photo.

    Support a shoot

    Join a Jarico production as a department lead, working alongside youth crew members in real time.

  • Offer feedback

    Offer feedback

    Help emerging writers or editors by giving notes on their projects, either virtually or in person.

  • A panel discussion taking place on stage with three people seated in front of a large screen displaying a presentation. The woman on the left is wearing a long, dark floral dress, the woman in the middle is wearing a hat and light-colored pants, and the man on the right is wearing a black shirt and jeans. The stage has a black curtain backdrop, and the audience seating is partly visible in the foreground.

    Be a guest speaker

    Pop into one of our programs to share your career journey and answer questions.

  • Young man with brown hair looking down thoughtfully in a warmly lit room with sunflower and desk lamps.

    Consult or co-produce

    Collaborate on a youth-driven short film as a producer, advisor, or creative partner.

  • Two men review a menu in a restaurant, with a third person blurred in the background.

    Be an on-set ally

    Spend a day on set as a supportive presence — helping young filmmakers navigate the realities of a working production.

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current & past mentors

  • A group of people gathered around a man holding a camera, smiling and looking at a smartphone attached to the camera, in an indoor setting.

    nick

  • A man wearing a baseball cap and black shirt gesturing and speaking to two women, one with shoulder-length hair in a sleeveless top and jeans, and the other with long hair in a plaid skirt and white top, in a room with movie posters on the wall.

    koldin

  • A person standing on stage in a black shirt and cap, holding papers and gesturing, while another person lies on the stage floor pretending to be asleep or unconscious, in a theater or rehearsal space.

    adrian

  • A man with short hair and a beard standing in an indoor setting, wearing a light-colored Under Armour athletic shirt and a lanyard with an ID badge.

    jay

  • Two young women sitting on a couch in a library, reading and studying together, surrounded by books and notebooks.

    erica

  • Man wearing glasses, a hat, and shorts, standing indoors near film equipment, with a lanyard and ID badge, in a large auditorium or theater setting.

    kristen

  • A man standing in front of a backdrop at the Beyond Hollywood International Film Festival, wearing a black leather jacket and a black T-shirt with a yellow logo that says 'Roots' and features a bear and trees.

    adam

  • Three people taking a selfie while smiling and having fun indoors with brick walls in the background.

    Michael

  • A man in glasses and dark clothing with filming equipment, touching his chin thoughtfully, standing in front of a pink and blue lit background with a camera mounted on a stabilizer.

    Paolo

  • A man with a beard, glasses, and long hair wearing a Seinfeld cap and a black t-shirt, holding a camera and looking at a smartphone.

    Rick

Sign Up now

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Jarico Films for Youth is a creative ally, a mentorship hub, and a launchpad for stories that matter.

When you work with us, you're not just hiring a crew. You're joining a movement to create beautiful, meaningful work and to help others learn to do the same.

Let’s make movies together.

WHAT WE DO!

  • Red promotional poster for RUSH Youth Film Festival with filmstrip border and white text.

    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
  • Poster for the 'Rush' film festival, presented by Jarico Films, featuring a dark red background with black splatters and grunge effects, and white text.

    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
  • Promotional poster for RUSH 48-hour film challenge, presented by Jarico Films for Youth, featuring a dark background with white text and orange film strip borders.

    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.

    watch
  • A film strip with dark background and yellow text that reads "Short Film Boot Camp by Jarico Films".

    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.

    more
  • A design resembling a film strip with pink and black colors. The text 'Jarico Films Presents Pitch Night' is written in the center, with the background showing black splatters and pink borders.

    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.

    COMING SOON
  • A promotional graphic for a film or television program titled 'Scene Study with Erica Sherwood.' The graphics include a film strip design with black and teal colors, and the text is in bold white and teal letters.

    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.

    COMING SOON