About SMFA

South Mountain Film Academy is designed to teach students the full scope of the filmmaking process—from understanding the basic stages of pre-production, production, and post-production to learning how to operate a camera and use fundamental camera skills. Kids take turns in every role—director, camera operator, interviewer, actor, and more—while working collaboratively to create a short film they will screen together as a group. Along the way, they develop skills in filming, lighting, producing, storytelling, and editing while also building confidence, communication, and teamwork.

South Mountain Film Academy empowers young creators with a unique blend of technical know-how and creative exploration, while creating a supportive environment where students can learn, collaborate, and bring their stories to life.

About Chris Cassidy

Maplewood resident Chris Cassidy is an award-winning Cinematographer/Director with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Specializing in documentary-style storytelling, he brings a creative perspective to his work and has a lifelong passion for moving images. His work has been seen in Film Festivals world-wide, as well as featured in MoMA, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and the George Eastman Museum.