Celebrating Digital Inclusion Week: Inspiring Portland Youth Through Film and Connectivity

Digital Inclusion Week is about raising awareness about the importance of inclusion in our increasingly digital world, and it’s about creating opportunities and access for everyone. At Comcast, we’re proud to work alongside partners like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro and the Portland Film Festival to ensure that young people have access to the resources and experiences they need to succeed in today’s connected society.

On September 27, the Future Filmmakers Workshop returned to Portland, sparking creativity and storytelling among local youth. The event offered a hands-on introduction to filmmaking—from concept development and scriptwriting to shooting and acting—using professional-grade equipment and guidance from industry mentors and volunteers.

Empowering the Next Generation of Creators

The Future Filmmakers program is more than a workshop—it fosters creativity and potential. Designed to break down barriers to creative education, the workshop ensures that youth have access to technology, mentorship, and hands-on experience in the art of storytelling.

For many students, this experience is transformative. Manny, one of this year’s participants, shared his excitement: “I would like to make more movies with adventure, and I really liked filming and the process for coming up with the ideas.” By introducing students to every stage of the filmmaking process—from brainstorming ideas and writing scripts to acting and filming—the workshop helps participants build confidence, develop technical skills, and discover potential career pathways in media and entertainment.

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to digital and creative opportunities. Comcast’s support helps build young people’s confidence to tell their stories and envision a future where their ideas can shine on the big screen.

Karen Agnes, a Comcast Team UP volunteer, shared: “Working with the Future Filmmakers as part of the Portland Film Festival was an awesome experience. The kids impressed us with their creativity, and it was so fun watching them bring their monster movie stories to life!”

Connecting Communities Through Lift Zones

Comcast’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro extends beyond filmmaking. Through Lift Zones, Comcast provides free, robust WiFi in club locations, creating spaces for students to learn, complete homework, access digital resources, and explore programs like Future Filmmakers.

These Lift Zones are part of Comcast’s broader effort to bridge the digital divide and empower youth with the connectivity they need to reach their full potential.

During Digital Inclusion Week, we celebrate how partnerships like this make a lasting impact—connecting communities, empowering students, and building pathways to brighter futures.