Reel Stories

Reel Stories [Powered by BAVC Media] mentors 12-18 year old girls and non-binary youth to make films!

Reel Stories Media Program gives entering 12-18 year old young women & non-binary youth the storytelling and production skills to tell stories from their unique point of view, while incorporating media literacy and leadership workshops. Lead and taught by current female leaders in the media industry, this program empowers young women & non-binary youth to broadcast their stories to the world!

06/06/2026

🎥 Can you name a female director?

Watch Reel Stories Street Team member and program alum Madeleine Sophia Wilson as she asks UC Berkeley students that same question in the second episode of Reel Streets.

According to a 2025 study by the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, the number of women directors dropped from 13.4% to 8% between 2024 and 2025. Reel Stories filmmaking programs aim to increase the number of women and gender expansive people in the director’s seat by providing media making training and skills to girls and gender expansive youth in a collaborative, supportive environment.

🎬 Want to make films this summer? Join us for Reel Stories Summer Camps - applications close soon!

🗓️ Reel Stories BootCamp: June 8–12. Applications close June 7.

🗓️ Camp Reel Stories: June 15–26. Applications close June 14.

06/04/2026

🚨 APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED for Reel Stories Summer Camps!

Applications are now accepted on a rolling basis up until the day before camp starts. Earlier submissions receive priority, especially for financial aid processing. No one is turned away due to lack of funds. Financial aid is available to everyone, and our team is here to guide you through the application process step-by-step. For assistance, email [email protected].

🔗 Link in bio

05/21/2026

🚨FINAL DAYS TO APPLY 🚨

Applications for Reel Stories Summer Camps close May 29. Don’t miss your chance to make films, find your crew, and tell stories that matter. Apply before it’s too late!

05/16/2026

✨ Reel Stories starts with this incredible team. Meet your staff, mentors, collaborators, and biggest supporters making our 2026 Summer Camps possible!

05/14/2026

🫵 Have you heard of the Bechdel test?

In the first episode of Reel Streets, Reel Stories Street Team member and program alum Madeleine Sophia Wilson asked UC Berkeley students just that.

Many people still aren’t familiar with this landmark feminist test of women’s representation in film. Building awareness around storytelling and sharpening your media literacy is a core part of Reel Stories Camps.

🎬 Want to make films this summer? Join us for Reel Stories Summer Camps, for girls and gender expansive youth:
🗓️ Reel Stories BootCamp: June 8–12
🗓️ Camp Reel Stories: June 15–26

04/30/2026

🔔 Reel Stories Camps are STILL open for applications! Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and earlier applications have a better chance of admission and securing a spot.

🗓️ Reel Stories BootCamp: June 8-12

🗓️ Camp Reel Stories: June 15-26

As a reminder, Reel Stories Camps are filmmaking and career development camps for women and gender expansive youth ages 11-17 in Oakland. Camps are offered on a sliding scale tuition with no one turned away due to lack of funds.

🎟️ Link in bio!

04/23/2026

No story should go untold because of cost. That’s why no filmmaker at Reel Stories is turned away for lack of funds. We offer sliding scale tuition, pay-what-you-can options, and scholarships with no proof of income required.

Applying for financial aid will never affect your acceptance!

To receive the financial aid form or if you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

03/24/2026

🎬 Camp Reel Stories registration is LIVE and there are only a few days left to use the Early Bird Discount code!

Over two weeks, you will work in a team to write, shoot, and edit your own films with support from Reel Stories staff, mentors, and guest speakers from across the industry.

🗓️ June 15–26, from 9:30am - 3pm

📍 Oakstop

🎟️ Get discounted tuition on our programs from now until March 31st with our Early Bird Discount.

Visit the link in our bio to learn more and sign up today!

03/19/2026

Calling all girls + gender-expansive storytellers-Reel Stories Boot Camp is LIVE! Reel Stories is a queer-affirming creative filmmaking space where you can show up as yourself, collaborate with other young creators, and turn your ideas into films.

Boot Camp is the perfect opportunity for students looking to get their first introduction to the world of movie-making. In this 5-day camp, students will write, film, and edit their own narrative movies using easy-to-access technology that they can use at home to continue their filmmaking journey.

🗓️ June 8-June 12, from 9AM-2PM

📍 Downtown Oakland

🐣 Get discounted tuition on Boot Camp from now until March 31st with our Early Bird Discount. Visit the link in our bio to learn more and sign up today!

03/17/2026

Two Camp Reel Stories interns were invited to be youth representatives to a screening of SHE DARED TO DREAM for International Women’s Day at the Indie Night Film Festival in Oakland. SHE DARED TO DREAM is about Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, who attended the event, and her recent political career and activism. Here’s what our interns, Madeleine Sophia Wilson and Amara Kapur had to say:

Madeleine: Attending the Oakland stop of the Indie Night Film Festival exceeded my grandest expectations. Not only did we get to join with members of the Oakland film community, we got to watch powerful, independent films highlighting extraordinary women, and even listened in on a Q&A with Ayanna Pressley and Barbara Lee. All this was a free opportunity, thanks to BAVC Media!

Amara: I’ve always looked up to powerful women of color in politics, and to be able to hear them speak in person was astonishing. Barabra Lee, Ayanna Pressley, and Lateefah Simon have done so much for minorities and the democratic party. During the Q&A, Ayanna Pressley said “Bring your gift to the resistance.” I would like to believe my gift is storytelling, and thanks to BAVC Media and the incredible opportunities they offer, I can foster that talent and grow into a strong writer, filmmaker, and activist.

Way to go Madeleine and Amara!

Address

1721 Broadway #201
Oakland, CA
94612

Website

http://www.reel-stories.com/

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