Harlem Film School
A creative home where young filmmakers build craft, confidence, and a clearer view of what their stories can become.
Our mission
Harlem Film School is dedicated to empowering aspiring young filmmakers with the knowledge, skills, and artistic vision necessary to create impactful stories in the visual medium of film. With a commitment to diversity, innovation, and community engagement, we nurture a new generation of talented storytellers equipped to amplify the rich human narratives of Harlem, New York City, and beyond.
Our vision
We envision a place pulsing with creativity and collaboration, where aspiring filmmakers are nurtured and mentored. It is a film arts incubator where diverse voices converge to shape the future of storytelling, illuminate the human experience with authenticity and empathy, and deepen appreciation for cultural richness.
Founder & Executive Director
Raised in the Bronx and Spanish Harlem, Pedro Resto is an accomplished filmmaker and educator whose career bridges the worlds of entertainment, education, and community empowerment. With a Bachelor’s degree in Film Studies and a Master’s in Education specializing in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Pedro brings a unique combination of creative vision and educational leadership. His extensive filmmaking career includes producing and directing music videos, national television commercials, and media campaigns for organizations such as the NFL, Time Warner and Partnership for a Drug-Free America. He also served on the producing team of the award-winning feature film CrossBronx, recognized at the Tribeca, CineVegas, and NYC Urban Film Festivals. Beyond the entertainment industry, Pedro has dedicated much of his career to empowering underserved youth through education and the arts. As a Senior Youth Advocate with Friends of the Children in Harlem, he spent a decade supporting at-risk students and strengthening relationships among families, schools, and communities. At Washington Irving High School in New York City, he developed an innovative Cinema Studies program that used filmmaking and media technology to strengthen literacy, critical thinking, communication, and creative expression. His work helped inspire 14 of 34 participating students to pursue filmmaking programs across the country. He subsequently served as Dean and received national recognition for his achievements in education. Today, as Founder and Executive Director of Harlem Film School, Pedro continues to unite his passion for filmmaking and education, creating opportunities for young people to discover their voices, tell their stories, and develop the creative, academic, and professional skills needed to succeed. His guiding belief is simple: Every student has a story worth telling—and deserves the opportunity to tell it.
Program Coordinator
Program Coordinator
Ashaby Tejada is an experienced program coordinator with a strong background in education, youth development, and program management. Holding a B.A. in Psychology from Queens College, she is passionate about creating meaningful educational experiences that inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster personal growth.
At Harlem Film School, Ashaby plays a key role in coordinating program development and daily operations, helping deliver engaging film and media arts experiences that empower students to explore their creativity, develop new skills, and reach their full potential.
Core values
01
We celebrate a multitude of perspectives, cultures, and voices, recognizing the strength of a richly varied film community.
02
Industry professionals equip students with the skills, knowledge, and artistic sensibility to create compelling work.
03
We build connections, collaboration, social responsibility, empathy, and respect across Harlem and New York City.
04
We explore new approaches to storytelling and production while honoring enduring filmmaking practices.
05
We nurture each student’s unique talent and confidence to make a positive impact through storytelling.
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We emphasize integrity, responsibility, and stories that contribute positively to our multicultural society.
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We encourage continuous growth, adaptability, and the pursuit of mastery across the art and craft of filmmaking.
Create with us
