Actor Edward James Olmos Visits, Inspires Young Filmmakers at Madison Elementary

Hollywood came to Pasadena’s Madison Elementary School Tuesday morning in the person of Latino filmmaker and Academy Award-nominated actor Edward James Olmos.

Olmos visited the campus after accepting an invitation from PUSD Superintendent Brian McDonald, who wanted to show him the results of the school’s Latino Film Institute Youth Cinema Project for fourth-graders.

He was greeted and introduced by Madison Elementary Principal Juan Ruelas. Also in attendance at the school yard presentation were Superintendent McDonald, a number of Board of Education members including President Elizabeth Pomeroy; students, parents, and teachers.

The project-based learning program — founded by Olmos — provides a yearlong, immersive experience in the art of filmmaking. Madison fourth graders work with industry professionals to explore all areas of filmmaking, from developing ideas and writing scripts to production, editing and marketing. Students work in collaboration with their peers to develop short films under the guidance of their teacher and LFI Youth Cinema Project instructors. Students also participate in a variety of industry field trips to agencies, studios and production sets to learn more about professional career opportunities.

Young fourth-grade filmmaker/producer Avi Martinez was excited about her project, “Monster World,” which she said “will encourage kids not to be afraid of monsters.”

Olmos also watched proudly as a mural featuring his words was formally unveiled on the school playground.