The Tracing Zora’s Dust Tracks Program is an immersive filmmaking workshop and docu-series that offers aspiring filmmakers aged 21-25 the unique opportunity to shadow a predominantly female professional film crew while traveling to historically significant locations tied to the life and legacy of Zora Neale Hurston.

 

Participants will engage in hands-on learning across various industry roles, including directing, cinematography, sound design, and production management, while capturing dynamic content such as interviews, staged readings, performances, and roundtable discussions.

 

This program aims to teach both the art and business of storytelling, emphasizing Zora’s influence on culture, history, and identity. Participants will produce approximately 100 media files per week, culminating in a 12-week season of content that blends historical narratives with modern storytelling techniques. Each participant will also be featured in a behind-the-scenes series, reflecting on their personal growth and experiences in the program.

 

The program concludes with a seminar and organization-wide awards dinner to celebrate accomplishments, provide constructive critiques, and foster networking opportunities with industry professionals. By merging education, history, and hands-on filmmaking, Tracing Zora’s Dust Tracks seeks to empower a new generation of filmmakers while preserving cultural legacies through creative innovation.