Life. Camera. Action! in the Classroom: A Conversation with Mendez High School’s Gabriela Alcantar

Quality education can shape a person’s future. According to global data, each additional year of schooling can increase a person’s income by roughly 10%. In partnership with local schools, Hollenbeck PAL brings Life. Camera. Action! (LCA) into classrooms, a program that empowers students through digital media by teaching film, editing, and valuable life skills, preparing them for a media-driven world where 91% of businesses rely on video marketing, all while helping them find and express their unique voices. Gabriela Alcantar, a dedicated theater and film arts teacher at Mendez High School, has been an integral partner in the success of LCA’s in-school initiatives. A National Board-Certified teacher with nine years of experience, Gabriela brings passion and a deep commitment to empowering students through the arts. Her collaboration with LCA began when she was inspired by her students’ testimonials and recommendations from the school’s Community Schools Coordinator.

“When I met with Ignacio [LCA’s previous instructor] and heard students’ testimonials, I knew this would be an incredible opportunity for our film class,” Gabriela explained. LCA goes beyond technical training. It helps youth build confidence, explore creative problem-solving, and hone teamwork skills. At its core, the program introduces students to digital tools they might not otherwise access, giving them a platform to tell stories relevant to their lives and communities.

LCA offers weekly session all year Mendez HS, with 5 week editing workshop in the Fall and the full 12-week program in the Spring servicing on average 50 students a cohort. For Gabriela, having an instructor with real-world experience has allowed students “gain twice as much experience and knowledge.”

The program’s impact is tangible. Students dive into projects ranging from documentaries to short films and music videos. “The collaboration brings hands-on learning to a whole new level,” Gabriela said. “It has felt very rewarding for me as a teacher. I have learned a lot from Ignacio and Julissa. Having them in my class has felt like a breath of fresh air that I can count on. The quality of instruction is strong, as we both share the same philosophy of learning by doing. 

These experiences have not only sharpened technical abilities but also boosted creativity and self-confidence. Gabriela vividly recalls moments when students grasped complex concepts like shot composition or editing software, their faces lighting up with understanding. Group projects, too, are a highlight, fostering a buzz of energy and teamwork as students tackle challenges together.

The results are inspiring. Each year, several students choose to pursue film studies in college or explore industry careers. “It has been wonderful to hear how students learn the importance of team work, collaboration, leading, creating and problem solving,” Gabriela reflected. “These skills not only pertain to film but everyday life, especially college and career. If we can inspire student to pursue film or even gain a greater appreciation for film, it would feel like a job well done.”

Gabriela has big dreams for the future of the program. She hopes to amplify students’ work by showcasing projects to a wider audience, including the broader school community. Larger, more ambitious projects are also on the horizon, offering new ways to motivate and challenge students.

For educators considering similar programs, Gabriela’s says “I would highly recommend this program to all teachers and community members. This program is such a fun and engaging way to teach students about film production.”

Life. Camera. Action! exemplifies the power of media to transform lives. By blending technology with creativity, it equips students to step confidently into the world, ready to share their stories and shape the future.