What we do
Mission
To fund, screen and celebrate local films by students and underrepresented storytellers, and to use those films to bring Southern California communities together to act on what matters to them.
About
A Black-owned Southern California nonprofit funding local films, screening them where they belong, and turning stories into action.
Films by us, for us, near us
Reel Commons is a Black-owned nonprofit founded by Tyler Shields. We fund local filmmakers, screen their work in the neighborhoods the stories come from, and turn every screening into community action.
We center Black storytellers and build with everyone the industry keeps overlooking, with students at the heart of it.
Black-ownedWhy
Mission and vision
Where we’re going
Vision
Every neighborhood can see itself on screen, tell its own stories, and use them to make change.
What we stand on
Our values
Local first
The best stories are the ones happening down the street.
Art matters
Craft and creativity aren’t extras. They’re why people show up.
Pay people
Filmmakers, crews and community partners get paid for their work.
Action counts
A good screening ends with something to do, not just applause.
Founder
Tyler Shields
Tyler Shields founded Reel Commons to put money, screens and decision-making in the hands of the communities stories come from.
Pull up a chair
The commons is everyone who shows up. Come through.