Young filmmaker Monica Guerra believes that youth in America have the right to speak their mind and can influence real change in government. Her convictions led her to create a documentary film entitled “16,” which explores the questions of why 16-year-olds do not have the right to vote and demonstrates her personal passion for the issue of voting.

Guerra, who took home first place and $100 in the High School Documentary category of the 2009 BestFest America Student Film Festival in November 2009, is a past member of Sunset Creators Reaching Every Able Mind, or S.C.R.E.A.M., at the Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center in San Francisco.

A program of Aspiranet, S.C.R.E.A.M. trains high school teenagers in all stages of media production, offering them the opportunity to learn the filmmaking process, make their own films, and serve as core members offering peer-to-peer support to gain leadership skills.

“I was really happy when I found out I won the award,” Guerra said. “A lot of hard work was put into producing this film and I think my enthusiasm shows throughout the film. The first time I voted as an adult was a lot of fun. I was ecstatic when I put my ballot in the machine.” 

“Monica first started working with S.C.R.E.A.M. during her junior year as an actress in other films and officially joined as a core member in the summer of 2008,” said Rebecca Devlin, a program instructor of S.C.R.E.A.M. “I think this award is just the beginning for Monica.”

Currently a freshman at San Francisco State University studying film and journalism, Guerra remains active with S.C.R.E.A.M. and serves as a producer for other student projects. Now 18, she regularly exercises her right to vote.

To view Guerra’s film and learn more about S.C.R.E.A.M., go to: www.screamin.org.