{"id":861,"date":"2026-09-25T19:27:50","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T19:27:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org\/?p=861"},"modified":"2026-09-25T19:27:52","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T19:27:52","slug":"dr-bshf-foundation-newsletter-september-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blog.barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org\/?p=861","title":{"rendered":"Dr. BSHF Foundation: Newsletter September 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Student Spotlight: Tr\u00e9 StathamTurns a Passion for Storytelling Into a Future in Filmmaking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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For Tr\u00e9 Statham. Filmmaking is more than a career goal\u2014it’s a way to explore ideas, connect with others, and tell stories that matter. As a Film and Media major with a minor in the production track through the Georgia Film Academy, Tr\u00e9 is building the skills and creative vision needed for a promising future in screenwriting and digital filmmaking. After earning a bachelor’s degree, Tr\u00e9] plans to pursue an M.F.A. in digital filmmaking at Georgia State University, continue making short films, and eventually teach film classes to inspire emerging filmmakers.
The Foundation’s screenwriting mentorship program with Ria Sardana transformed Tr\u00e9’s approach to writing. Through the program, Tr\u00e9 rediscovered a love for screenwriting, learned to embrace experimentation over perfectionism, and now writes daily. Key lessons included exploring alternate dialogue, strengthening themes throughout the story, and understanding character motivation\u2014especially through a breakthrough moment when Ria asked, “What does he want?” about the character Jabari. The mentorship also provided invaluable industry insight through conversations with professionals like producer Anni Weisband. As a result, Tr\u00e9 ‘s confidence as a screenwriter has grown significantly, and a future in filmmaking now feels tangible and within reach.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

BACK TO SCHOOL SCREENPLAY WRITING CONTEST (2026\u20132027)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Dr. Barbra Seniors Harkins Foundation believes our strength is shown not only through the words we stand by, but through the actions behind our initiatives. Since launching in 2000, the Foundation has focused on creating opportunities that help young people grow, connect, and succeed. The Back to School Screenplay Writing Contest (2026\u20132027) continues that mission by inviting teens to use their voices, imagination, and storytelling skills to create something meaningful\u2014and exciting.
Have you ever watched a movie and thought, \u201cYou know what would make this better?\u201d Now is your chance to write the film you wish existed. The contest is open to teens ages 11\u201317, and the Foundation wants to read your stories\u2014whether they\u2019re scary, romantic, dramatic, imaginative, funny, or totally original. One writer. One story. Three winners. The top three finalists will have the opportunity to win Amazon Fire Tablets (8GB) to keep writing and developing their award-winning scripts. For more information and to enter the Contest. Visit the Foundation\u2019s Website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n