Youth Film Mentorship Initiative

The initiative is being developed in partnership with Ceola J. Griffin Films, Inc., CJG Productions, LLC, and Affect Entertainment, LLC, in connection with the upcoming holiday feature film Finding Her Voice for Christmas. Principal photography is scheduled for November and December 2026 in Monterey and surrounding communities. The program is expected to serve approximately 10 local youth through virtual instruction followed by supervised learning opportunities connected to the film's production.

"Many young people have creative gifts but limited access to the training, relationships, and real-world experiences that can help them understand what is possible. This initiative is designed to help youth recognize the value of their voices, develop their gifts, and learn from professionals who are actively working in the industry."

— Ceola J. Griffin, Founder of Dream2b and writer, co-director, and co-producer of Finding Her Voice for Christmas

Film Education and Mentorship

Acclaimed filmmaker and Monterey native Rick Irvin will serve as one of the initiative's principal instructors and mentors. Irvin is a producer, director, and actor whose credits include Intersection, an independent feature that received 77 film-festival awards, and the award-winning faith-based feature Heavenly Deposit, which he produced, co-directed, and starred in. Heavenly Deposit, starring John Savage, Barry Van Dyke, and Ella Joyce, received honors including Best Narrative Feature Film at Jesus Cine Fest and Most Inspirational Feature Film at the Hollywood Divine International Film Festival.

"I believe in the power of mentorship. Young people need to see that their voices matter, that their creativity has value, and that there are pathways available to pursue their gifts in the film industry. This initiative is about helping open those doors."

— Rick Irvin, Principal Instructor and Mentor

The program is expected to begin with virtual classes covering acting fundamentals, script analysis, character development, filmmaking roles, set etiquette, and the collaborative process of bringing a screenplay to the screen.

Investing in Monterey Youth

For Irvin, the initiative holds special meaning because it brings him back to the community where he grew up. By connecting education with an active production, Dream2b seeks to help participating youth develop confidence, creative discipline, communication skills, professional awareness, and a clearer understanding of career opportunities within film and media.

The initiative is also expected to include identity-development discussions designed to help participants recognize their strengths, understand the value of their stories, and see themselves as capable contributors within creative industries and their communities.

Community and Funding Support

Funding for the Dream2b Youth Film Mentorship Initiative is being pursued separately from the film's Indiegogo production campaign. Dream2b is seeking charitable contributions, grants, sponsors, educational partners, in-kind support, and community organizations interested in helping provide instruction, materials, transportation, meals, and supervised learning opportunities for participating youth. All support designated for Dream2b's youth initiative will be used for the educational and mentorship components of the program. The film's Indiegogo campaign supports production-related needs for Finding Her Voice for Christmas.

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