Around October after the annual East LA Film Festival, founder Juan Escobedo travels to Oaxaca to provide film classes in Santa Catarina de Las Minas at Biblioteca de El Rosario in the Ocotlan District. It’s a nonprofit located in the mountains that serves the area by providing various classes from groups outside of Oaxaca in film, art, anthropology and learning to document traditions from the areas before they are lost. This is possible with the collaboration from filmmakers in Oaxaca.

Harnessing the power of art, photography, and film, our prevention programs empower youth with essential life skills, steering them away from risky behaviors. Through these creative mediums, we communicate the importance of healthy choices and self-care, fostering resilience and confidence. By engaging with these forms of expression, young people gain not only knowledge but also a deeper understanding of the consequences of their actions, leading to more informed decisions and a brighter future.

La Causa YouthBuild, a continuation high school, collaborated with LACMA and the Vincent Price Museum on a photography program. Youth were tasked with capturing images of their surroundings and sharing their thoughts and feelings. Through this process, conversations emerged, delving into their environment and the factors contributing to crime, drugs, and other issues leading to risky behaviors. Through art and photography, we empower them to express themselves, fostering awareness and understanding that lead to better decisions.