Outside the Frame

In recent years, we’ve seen in a major increase in homelessness across the country, especially amongst young people. Portland saw a 200 percent increase in homeless youth in 2021 alone. City and state officials continue to scramble a response, but little has been done to mitigate this influx. Luckily, Outside the Frame (OTF) provides a ray of hope with their unique mission of empowering those who need it most through the magic of film.

Since 2015, OTF has provided educational and vocational programs that train homeless youth (Ages 16-25) to create their own films about issues that convey their experience. Not only are they delivering valuable job experience, but the sharing of these stories advocate systemic change while providing a creative and therapeutic outlet.

Partnering with the Oregon Made Creative Foundation has allowed OTF to expand their offerings through the Pathways program. This workforce development initiative identifies, recruits and places candidates from under-resourced communities into paid positions on film sets across Oregon. Learn more about this important platform here: http://www.oregonmade.org/workforce-development.html

OTF projects have been showcased all over the city in venues large and small. Prior to the pandemic, they’ve sold-out the Portland Armory, so make sure to get your tickets quick. We highly recommend that you check out their Vimeo channel to see their amazing work that not only entertains but makes our community a better place. Watch now: https://vimeo.com/otfpdx

If your interested in volunteering your services as an industry professional, or working with OTF, reach out to them here: https://outsidetheframe.org/work-with-us