NYC program trains at-risk youth in filmmaking to “flip the script” on gun violence

The “Flip the Script” program, initiated by the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, aims to empower at-risk teens, particularly those with gun charges, through filmmaking training. Targeting individuals aged 18 to 24 from areas like Brownsville and the South Bronx, the 40-week program offers paid mentorship to help participants, such as KJ Campbell, redirect their lives and pursue careers in film. With over 60 graduates since 2021 and a vision of reducing gun violence, the initiative reflects the transformative power of the arts to heal trauma and inspire positive change.