TrueStar Staff 
Black, female, AND youth led? Now those are words I like to hear together!
I recently had the pleasure of attending a workshop at the Sisters In Cinema Media Arts Center, led by young director, Addison Bellhome who created the award-winning short film “A Thin Line Between Black and White.” She was chosen for their Director’s Spotlight Series to give a presentation on the art of filmmaking.
Bellhome is a rising senior at Lindblom Math and Science Academy who started off her filmmaking career just as she entered the 8th grade. She began her business, “Director’s Eye,” in 2020 over quarantine, and it has continued to grow and flourish ever since.
Bellhome, also a member of the True Star family, recently held a workshop, titled “From Script to Screen: The Art of Filmmaking,” where she gave a phenomenal presentation featuring things like how she got started in the business, her many achievements, awards, and opportunities. Bellhome shared that one of her favorite successes along her journey so far has been becoming a U.S. representative for Mrs. Michelle Obama’s Girls Opportunity Alliance. Bellhome considers this a high honor because she was recognized by such an inspiring woman who grew up in the same neighborhood as her.
She also had a segment sharing the steps she took to get to where she is today, including how to get into film festivals, things to know when directing a short film, the many different roles/jobs that go into producing a film, and her personal on-set experiences and lessons. She provided many great takeaways to everyone who attended, and concluded with an activity for the audience to practice their own directing skills.
This impressive teen said she chose filmmaking as a way to make a difference. “Being a filmmaker, I hope to use this art form to uplift my community in a positive light while also adding a creative twist to it. By telling the stories of the South Side of Chicago, and doing it in a creative fashion, I believe that will help the underrepresented in ways they’ve never imagined.”
I was personally moved by Bellhome’s impeccable speaking and presenting skills as she shared her story and a few of her projects with us. She is a true inspiration to young women with a creative mind. To keep up with her latest projects, follow her on Instagram under her business name Director’s Eye.
By Madisyn Godbolt, Junior, Lindblom Math & Science Academy
Instagram: @Madisynced
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