LEARN ABOUT
FILM
First Person Productions
The original storytellers
About First Person Productions
Youth in the First Person Productions (FPP) paid media internship learn to be the next generation of Native storytellers. Participants learn about new and innovative media practices that build strong, local communities. From filmmaking and podcasting to social media and marketing, FPP pays young people to learn the mechanics of media while increasing the accurate and authentic portrayals and visibility of Native peoples.
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Program Highlights
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Youth earned Adobe Certifications in partnership with Minneapolis Community College, a valuable tool in fields such as media production, graphic design and marketing.
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FPP began a collaborative curriculum with Technovation, a global tech education nonprofit that empowers youth to become leaders, creators, and problem-solvers.
Cohorts
FPP has four cohorts per year, three during the school year and one during the summer. Each cohort lasts approximately 8 -10 weeks and meets Monday - Thursday from 4-6 pm in the school year or 9:30 am-3:30 pm in the summer. Interns receive an hourly rate of $13.75 and must be 14 years or older to be eligible.
Meet Your Instructor
Binesikwe Means was born and raised in Minneapolis and is an enrolled citizen of the Oglala Lakota Tribe in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, and a descendant of the White Earth Nation.
As a MIGIZI alumni herself, Binesikwe spent many years traveling to different tribal communities and working with elementary aged students on video projects. For the last few years she has dedicated her time and skills to advancing FPP and supporting her home community.
Binesikwe was recognized for her hard work, dedication, and mentorship as Step Up's Supervisor of the Year for 2022. This prestigious award is given to supervisors who have gone above and beyond to provide an exceptional experience for their Step Up interns. She was noted for developing incredible relationships and creating safer spaces for students. She is committed to connecting the students to the community and fostering the next generation of storytellers. Binesikwe empowers these students by allowing them the space and opportunity to become their authentic selves.
"Binesikwe was really the first person I met who made me believe that I can actually become a filmmaker. With her i've met other Indigenous creatives who are living my dream. I get to experinece so many new opportunites that I never thought would be availbale for people like me" - MIGIZI Intern 2022
Our Past Work
