Ghetto Film School Announces $5 Million Donation From MacKenzie Scott at Annual Fall Benefit

As a lifelong enthusiast of cinema, I find myself deeply inspired by the recent events at the Ghetto Film School Fall Benefit. The generosity of MacKenzie Scott and the presence of industry giants like Demi Moore, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Sean Wang, and many others, has created an atmosphere that is both invigorating and humbling for aspiring filmmakers like myself.


Ghetto Film School recently secured a $5 million contribution from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott – the largest single donation the nonprofit has ever received throughout its 25 years of operation.

At the GFS Fall Benefit in Santa Monica, where Demi Moore, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Sean Wang were recognized, CEO Montea Robinson declared that they have grand ambitions for the future. Speaking about Scott’s generous contribution, Robinson expressed, “We are truly aiming high with some incredibly large aspirations.

The advantage, offered by Sony and funded by Amazon MGM Studios and Disney, united key figures in the entertainment field to endorse Ghetto Film School’s goal of nurturing, fostering, and honoring the upcoming wave of outstanding narrators.

2021’s gathering, which took place at the residence of Veronica and Brian Grazer, attracted prominent figures from the entertainment industry such as director David O. Russell, Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos, Universal Pictures president Peter Cramer, and actress Samara Weaving.

In her speech, Demi Moore, the honoree, looked back on her long career and shared some wisdom with the aspiring movie makers present.

She remarked, “I graduated from the ‘university of fake it till you make it.’ I’m not an expert, but I have more years under my belt than any of you. However, if there’s anything I can share, it would be that I strive to always maintain a learner’s mindset. I consider myself a student.

In reflecting on my professional journey, I can’t help but notice that the pivotal moments were those where others had faith in me beyond what I dared to believe about myself. Here’s a piece of advice: Never cease pushing your boundaries, for when you cling to safety, victory eludes you.

Just as Wang describes himself, he views himself as a lifelong learner, expressing to the audience, “I find it hard to believe I’m standing here, since I still feel like a student. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to create my first full-length film.

Regarding the critically-acclaimed film “Dídi,” Wang mentioned, “It was intentionally crafted to feel intimate and humble, and it was a chance for me to collaborate with my friends – creating something that felt authentic and precious, rather than aiming for industry standards. Instead, I drew inspiration from the people around me who encouraged me, recognized me, and had faith in me.

In a similar vein, Harrison Jr. spoke words that motivated the audience, urging them not to forget their value and surround themselves with individuals who boost them up. “It’s quite simple to overlook one’s own contributions,” he noted, “and I believe events like this are crucial for us all. We can motivate each other, offer support, and push each other, because it is during the journey from aspiration to realization that such interpersonal relationships will propel you forward.

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2024-10-11 21:18