The Underground, Inc. DBA Academy of Cinematic Arts

The Underground, Inc., currently operating as the Academy of Cinematic Arts, is a nonprofit organization in the United States. Its mission is focused on providing educational opportunities in the cinematic arts, empowering students to contribute positively through moving images in the world.

History

The organization originated from two distinct entities. In the late 1990s, Victory Videos, a music video program similar to MTV, was launched in Cincinnati. Concurrently, a youth pastor in Fairfield, Ohio, founded The Underground, aiming to provide a safe venue for teenagers to enjoy local and national music. By 2003, these two initiatives merged to form The Underground, which then operated from a 13,000 sq. ft. venue in Forest Park, Ohio.

Over time, The Underground transitioned from primarily hosting music events to emphasizing media and film programs, including sold-out summer film camps and after-school enrichment programs. In 2017, it began collaborating with the Golden Lion Awards High School Film Festival, a nonprofit recognizing teen filmmakers in the Midwest. This collaboration led to a formal merger in June 2018, resulting in the formation of the Academy of Cinematic Arts.

Programs and Activities

Today, the Academy of Cinematic Arts offers a range of programs tailored to youth aged 8 to 19. These include:

• Golden Lion Awards Student Film Festival (GLASFF): A Cincinnati-based festival open to middle and high school students across the Midwest. It offers multiple categories for awards, from Best Picture to Music Videos.

• Summer Film Camps: Intensive workshops where participants learn filmmaking skills in a supportive environment.

• After-School Programs: Year-round educational sessions focused on film production, film studies, and broadcast techniques, providing a positive influence and creative outlet for young people.

• Teen Film Challenge: A 72-hour filmmaking competition where teenagers collaborate to write, shoot, edit, and produce short films under tight deadlines.

Mission and Impact

The Academy of Cinematic Arts aims to educate students in the cinematic arts, guiding them to leverage their skills for positive change. It provides a safe space for young people to build community, develop artistic skills, and explore their creative potential through film and media.

By focusing on empowering young filmmakers and hosting community-driven film festivals, the organization plays a significant role in fostering creativity and cultural enrichment in the region it serves.