The Californer - Dream2b Announces Youth Film Mentorship Initiative with a New Christmas Film Partnership

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Monterey-area youth will receive virtual instruction, mentorship, and supervised exposure to a working feature-film production led by filmmaker Rick Irvin and members of the film's creative team

MONTEREY, Calif. - Californer -- MONTEREY, Calif. — Dream2b, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by playwright, filmmaker, and women's empowerment advocate Ceola J. Griffin, has announced the development of the Dream2b Youth Film Mentorship Initiative, designed to introduce Monterey-area youth to acting, filmmaking, creative development, and behind-the-scenes production experience.

Developed in partnership with Ceola J. Griffin Films, Inc., CJG Productions, LLC, and Affect Entertainment, LLC, the initiative is connected to the upcoming holiday feature film Finding Her Voice for Christmas. Principal photography is scheduled for November and December 2026 in Monterey and surrounding communities. The program is expected to serve approximately 10 local youth.

"Many young people have creative gifts but limited access to the training, relationships, and real-world experiences that can help them understand what is possible," said Griffin, founder of Dream2b and writer, co-director, and co-producer of Finding Her Voice for Christmas. "This initiative is designed to help youth recognize the value of their voices, develop their gifts, and learn from professionals actively working in the industry."

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Film Education and Mentorship
Acclaimed filmmaker and Monterey native Rick Irvin will serve as one of the initiative's principal instructors and mentors. His credits include Intersection, an independent feature that received 77 film-festival awards, and Heavenly Deposit, which he produced, co-directed, and starred in. Heavenly Deposit won Best Narrative Feature Film at Jesus Cine Fest and Most Inspirational Feature Film at the Hollywood Divine International Film Festival.

"I believe in the power of mentorship," said Irvin. "Young people need to see that their voices matter, that their creativity has value, and that there are pathways available to pursue their gifts in the film industry."

Classes are expected to cover acting fundamentals, script analysis, character development, filmmaking roles, and the collaborative process of bringing a screenplay to the screen.

About Finding Her Voice for Christmas
Finding Her Voice for Christmas is a faith-based family drama adapted from Griffin's stage play Finding Her Voice. The film explores faith, identity, forgiveness, and family reconciliation during the Christmas season. Learn more at www.ceolajgriffinfilms.com.

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Community and Funding Support
Funding for the mentorship initiative is being pursued separately from the film's production campaign. Dream2b is seeking charitable contributions, grants, sponsors, educational partners, in-kind support, and community organizations interested in supporting the program.

About Dream2b
Dream2b is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving women, youth, families, and communities through educational and performing-arts programs, mentorship, community outreach, and social-support services. For information about supporting the youth mentorship initiative, visit www.dream2b.org.