Archer High School student named to 2026 Teen Director Cohort of Black Girls Film Camp

     A bright future in the film industry awaits Archer High School’s Nyla Hopkins, one of 10 students from around the nation selected for the 2026 Teen Director Cohort of Black Girls Film Camp. 

     "When I found out I was a finalist for Black Girls Film Camp, I felt so excited, proud and grateful," Nyla shares. "I had only recently started my journey in filmmaking, so being selected felt like such a meaningful opportunity and a reminder that hard work and faith can open unexpected doors. I was also inspired thinking about all of the talented women I would get to meet, learn from, and create alongside." 

     She adds, "I know this experience will teach me about the reality of filmmaking and will strengthen both my storytelling skills and professional growth. More importantly, I hope to gain more confidence in my abilities as a filmmaker. I want to learn from experienced mentors, grow creatively, and leave this experience feeling even more motivated to continue pursuing my passion and turning my dreams into reality."

     Black Girls Film Camp (USA) provides a FREE, national, and hybrid 16-week experience (held once a year) where high school girls across the country pitch a story idea, and a final ten are selected to have their short film project produced by the program. TEN finalists are selected each year as the new cohort to direct and develop their own short films. The camp is an incubator for the ten girls and each of their films.

     Participants receive free cameras and tech equipment, free software, their own professional production team of exemplary creatives (editor, production coach, cinematographer, and an alumni coach) contracted out by the camp, an all-expense paid weekend retreat in LA, and free workshops from award-winning filmmakers and Ph.D. scholars. Films created by the teen girls and their production teams are showcased during Black Girls Film Camp Premiere Weekend over the summer and at film festivals, colleges/universities, and community events worldwide.