OTL Partners with SD City College for Puente Program Film Project
May 22, 2025
In a celebration of creativity, cultural identity, and emerging talent, 25 Puente Project students from San Diego City College will showcase their original short films at Digital Gym Cinema—transforming personal poetry into powerful visual narratives through a groundbreaking collaboration with Outside The Lens (OTL).
Over the past 12 weeks, these students—ranging in age from 19 to 24—have embarked on a transformative journey from written expression to cinematic storytelling. What began as poems written for their English class assignments has evolved into compelling short films that capture their unique perspectives on identity, culture, and community.
Words Take Flight on Screen
“This project created a bridge between literary and visual expression,”explains Luisa Martinez, Programs Specialist. “The students brought their personal narratives from the page to the screen, learning technical filmmaking skills while deepening their connection to their own stories.”
The intensive program provided comprehensive skills-building in visual thinking, cinematography, lighting techniques, editing, and interviewing—tools that many students had never accessed before. OTL educators worked closely with participants both in and outside the classroom, providing mentorship and access to state-of-the-art video editing equipment at the Wonder Lab.
Educational Pathways Through Creative Expression
For many participants, the filmmaking process became more than an artistic outlet—it sparked renewed educational motivation. Several students who previously participated in OTL’s “Lens of Liberation” program continued their creative journey, while others discovered that media arts provided a compelling pathway to engage more deeply with their academic pursuits.
This initiative aligns with Puente Project’s core mission—”to increase the number of educationally underserved students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities to earn degrees, and return to the community as leaders and mentors to future generations.” The program creates space for participants to explore their Latinx/Chicanx experiences while building both academic and creative skills.
A Community Celebration
The culminating screening event invites the public to witness these powerful student films and participate in meaningful dialogue about the creative process. The evening includes three screening sessions (5 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM), with a special panel discussion and refreshment hour at 7 PM where the filmmakers will reflect on their artistic and personal growth.
Digital Gym Cinema—San Diego’s vibrant hub for independent and emerging filmmakers—provides the perfect venue for these young creators to see their work projected on the big screen and engage with the wider community.
As we witness these students transform their poetic words into visual masterpieces, we’re reminded of the extraordinary power of arts education to build bridges, amplify diverse voices, and create pathways to academic and personal success. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate their achievement and be inspired by the next generation of storytellers.