ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (June 30, 2026) — The Azubuike African American Council for the Arts is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Urban Exposure Summer Film Program and is now accepting registrations for the free eight-week filmmaking intensive for Quad Cities youth, ages 16–22.
The program will run July 6 through August 28, 2026, meeting Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 1–3PM, at STEAM on Wheels in Rock Island.
Supported by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, Urban Exposure provides participants with professional, hands-on instruction in every stage of the filmmaking process, including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, lighting, sound, production, and editing. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore 360-degree filmmaking while building a strong foundation in traditional filmmaking techniques.
Created by Jonathan Burnett, a Rock Island native, professional filmmaker, and tenure-track professor of Film Production at Los Angeles Valley College, the program was founded on the belief that every young person has a story worth telling.
Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, Urban Exposure has spent a decade helping Quad Cities youth discover their creative voices while developing confidence, teamwork, leadership, and technical skills through the art of filmmaking.
Throughout the program, participants work together as a professional film crew to develop an original screenplay before producing, directing, filming, and editing a collaborative short film. Their completed film will premiere at the Rock Island Public Library and will also be screened during the Pulling Focus Black Film Festival, giving students the opportunity to share their work with family, friends, and the community.
"Urban Exposure is about much more than making movies," said Jonathan Burnett.
"It's about helping young people discover their creative voice, work together toward a common goal, and realize that their stories have value. Every year we watch students grow — not only as filmmakers, but as confident young leaders."
The program is especially committed to providing meaningful creative opportunities for African American, Hispanic, and other underserved youth by offering access to professional instruction, filmmaking equipment, mentorship, and artistic experiences at no cost. Urban Exposure also serves as a pathway to future educational and career opportunities in film and digital media. Many participants have continued working with Azubuike African American Council for the Arts on documentaries, public service announcements, and other community media projects.
Participation is free, but enrollment is limited.
Registration
Youth ages 16–22 may register by emailing their:
- Name
- Age
- Phone Number
- E-mail Address
to urbanexposure@gmail.com, or by sending a message through the Urban Exposure Facebook page.
About Azubuike African American Council for the Arts
The Azubuike African American Council for the Arts is a Quad Cities-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening communities through the arts. Through innovative programs such as the Urban Exposure Summer Film Program and the Pulling Focus Black Film Festival, Azubuike provides opportunities for arts education, creative expression, workforce development, and cultural understanding while amplifying diverse voices through film and the arts.
