East Los Angeles film festival

**TELASOFA: Empowering East LA Youth Through Creative Filmmaking**

Nestled in the heart of East Los Angeles, TELASOFA stands as a beacon of hope and creativity for the local community. Despite the absence of major film industry centers or programs in the area, TELASOFA is dedicated to serving the unique needs of the East Side’s creative film industry.

East Los Angeles is home to the largest concentration of Latinos in the United States, a vibrant and youthful community where over 50% of the population is under the age of 23. Unfortunately, 29% of families here live below the poverty level. The challenges extend beyond economics: the area faces high rates of substance abuse (51.8%), family conflict (53.3%), gang violence exposure (61%), and a significant portion of the population lacks health insurance (73%). Additionally, 25% of families have a sibling who is a teen parent.

In this context, TELASOFA emerges as a transformative force. The organization’s participants are predominantly Latino (90%), with Asian American (5%) and African American (5%) youth also taking part. TELASOFA believes that lasting community change is achieved when the community itself is actively engaged, educated, and working toward common goals.

By empowering local youth and young adults, TELASOFA addresses these pressing challenges through the powerful mediums of creative video, filmmaking, and animation. In an era where economic growth opportunities for young adults are limited, these artistic skills can provide a competitive edge in the job market.

TELASOFA’s mission is to cultivate a generation of young, talented filmmakers who not only hone their craft but also use their voices and stories to inspire and uplift their community. Through this innovative approach, TELASOFA is not just teaching skills; it’s fostering resilience, creativity, and a sense of purpose among East LA’s youth. (Stats from the TELASOFA website)