On June 28, St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood hosted its first Southern California Crossroads Youth Film Screening event, which featured 11 short films focusing on friendship, violence, bullying, inspiration and dreams.
The films were created by three different film groups: Tribeca Teaches-Hosler Middle School; Tribeca Teaches-St. Francis Medical Center (for high school students); and the Crossroads Film Program (for young adults, ages 18-24).
Under the direction of Dr. Tchaka Shepherd, director of trauma services at St. Francis, in 2013 the hospital partnered with Southern California Crossroads, a not-for-profit that serves under-privileged youth, and the Tribeca Film Institute to create the high school film program to support local students. Participants meet twice a week to learn about all aspects of filmmaking. The program allows youth to express their feelings about various issues while raising awareness through film.
Friars of the Sick Poor Brother Richard Hirbe, director of spiritual care and ethics for St. Francis, opened the event by welcoming the crowd of more than 100 youth, family members, medical personnel, Crossroads staff and St. Francis administrators. Daughter of Charity Sister Alicia Martin, vice president of mission at St. Francis, followed with a prayer to bless the event and the attendees before the films were introduced and screened.
During the event, Crossroads honored Dr. Shepherd, as well as St. Francis trauma surgeons Dr. Maxine Anderson and Dr. Michael Jimenez, with a plaque for their time spent with youth and generous donations to Crossroads and the film program. Officials from the City of Lynwood presented recognition certificates to the young filmmakers for their creative and inspirational films
