On Monday, January 28th, Lab filmmaker Ryan Bethune and Co-Founder Stephanie Walter Williams accepted the 2007 Coming Up Taller Award on behalf of Reel Works Teen Filmmaking from First Lady Laura Bush at a White House Ceremony.

Administered by the President's Council for the Humanities, The Coming Up Taller Award is the nation's highest honor for after school arts programs. Reel Works' award-winning Lab workshop - the country's only after-school filmmaking program that matches each teen with a professional filmmaker- mentor - is one of 18 arts and humanities programs honored this year.

In his film, "Hopeful Home," Ryan tells the story of his family and the series of events that led them from middle class to a homeless shelter. "The film forced me to have a conversation with my mom about our experience," says Ryan. "I was able to thank my mom for keeping the family together." Ryan's mentor, Laura Cardona, is an editor at HBO.

"Arts and humanities activities have a wonderful way of enabling young people to discover their unique talents and interests while forging a path to success in school and life," said Adair Margo, Chairman of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. "The Lab is especially notable for empowering at-risk teenagers, and teaching them how to set goals, persevere, collaborate and produce results - essential skills that will help them through life."

Lab Filmmakers Ryan Bethune and Zachary Lennon Simon presented their films at the Sundance Film Festival as part of Adobe Youth Voices.

"This trip was great for us because we got to see other filmmakers and talk to a lot of them," Zachary Lennon Simon. "It was nice to see somebody acknowledge our films and our talent" Zach's film, "Playing With The Other Tigers" is about how he and his best friend - a muslim - held onto their friendship - and made is stronger - after 9/11.

Adobe Youth Voices is designed to provide youth in underserved communities with the skills and access to multimedia and digital tools that empower them to share their ideas, demonstrate their potential and take action in their communities. Reel Works was thrilled to be named an Adobe Youth Voices partner in 2007.

This January and February, Tribeca Film Institute will work with Reel Works to produce a series of Friday night screenings for young filmmakers at the Prospect Park YMCA.

On January 11, director Josh Marston presented his award-winning "Maria Full of Grace" - which was followed by an intimate Q&A with Reel Works teens. Recent screenings have included War/Dance with Producer Susan MacLaury and "The Hip Hop Project" with director Matt Ruskin.

Next Friday, February 1st, director Jim McKay will screen his most recent film, "Angel Rodriguez." All screenings are free and begin at 7pm.