The Independent Filmmakers Co-operative of Ottawa (IFCO) is the only organization of its kind in Ottawa providing local filmmakers with the facilities, training and funding to make independent films in authentic celluloid formats. Incorporated in 1992, IFCO has grown from a bare-bones facility run by five founding members to a thriving co-op in Ottawa's Arts Court boasting 125 members.

In 2010, the Community Foundation of Ottawa provided IFCO with a grant to launch a youth training project in cooperation with Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa. Designed to provide a unique opportunity to explore Super 8 celluloid filmmaking to young boys from low-income communities, Reel Boys paired five "little brothers" with their "big brothers" on the project. Culminating in the production and screening of four black-and-white silent short films, the project ultimately allowed participants to create films rooted in their own ethos, ideas, culture and vision.

"Projects such as Reel Boys contribute immeasurably to the development of local youth, especially those whose families would not otherwise be able to afford to provide them with access to these types of opportunities," says Patrice James, Executive Director of IFCO.

"Thanks to the grant we received from the Community Foundation of Ottawa, we were able to offer this under-serviced group of youth an opportunity to grow, develop and express themselves to the fullest. All of our Reel Boys participants walked into IFCO as novice artists and walked out as budding filmmakers, with the additional knowledge and confidence that they can achieve anything they set their minds to."

With the help of another Community Foundation grant, IFCO is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa again in 2011 to deliver the latest incarnation of this project. Reel Girlz will provide six young women between the ages of 10-15 with access to filmmaking training, production equipment and supplies toward the creation of a Super 8 short film, allowing them the opportunity to explore celluloid filmmaking media for the first time.

In their own words, here is how some of the "Littles", "Bigs" and parents describe the Reel Boys experience:

• "I thought it was a great experience and an opportunity to learn something new. When I saw my name up on the screen, I felt good about myself, because I had made my own movie! "- Little Brother
   
• "I was especially impressed with the level of discipline Reel Boys afforded my "little brother", who in the past has had difficulty remaining dedicated to completing tasks. Since you can't rewind film and tape over it, he was truly forced to work within the medium's limitations and pay critical attention to detail throughout the process." - Big Brother
   
• "This was a wonderful opportunity for Clayton to be involved in the production of a film using professional filmmaking equipment and training. His experience with his Big Brother Andrew, from attending the 2-night course, writing the screenplay and filming the movie, to attending the screening of his film, was very exciting. Clayton plans to pursue a career in filmmaking and this was a fantastic experience for him! Thank you so much to the Community Foundation of Ottawa, IFCO and Big Brothers/Big Sisters Ottawa!" - Parent

For more information about IFCO, visit www.ifco.ca.