>> A local organization is empowering teens to change the narratives about their communities.

We met up with the founder of an anti-violence initiative who turned his life around.

It is now giving young people opportunities.

He didn't have.

>> now record.

Let you know, want to come in.

>> It's after school on a week night and a group of students are working on a script.

They're all part of the organization.

Love City, a film production operation focused on youth violence prevention on the West Side.

>> When you're ready, hit record and give them the signal.

>> Here students into the world of digital media warning about film production.

Photography and acting algae bloom known that most important mission to be inspirational.

A lot of the violence >> comes from hopelessness.

there's nothing to live for.

so now, you know, scared enough mount feeling pain.

>> You're going to feel pain.

So we need to start here with some of that pain and start let them know to some tough you live for.

>> And revealed that he also known as is the founder He says the organization was inspired by his desire to connect with his son after spending 10 years in prison and made me realize I need change who I was for us.

You know, like.

>> I spend the rest of my life in bad situations.

So I started thinking about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

>> After his release at 39 years old.

Really, he's became a mentor for an anti violence prevention program in Pilsen there.

He noticed how smartphones played a role in connecting with youth.

So long story short.

I taught myself how to make sure and had it music videos.

And, you know, once we started putting those music videos out young people.

From different neighborhoods reaching out, trying to work with me.

So that's when I knew.

I had something.

>> What started as an experiment grew into Love City in 2022.

That he received a state grant and move the program to its own space in Garfield Park.

They know what I hear.

They're they're heard.

We hear them.

We see what they're like.

What kind of stories I want to tell they see that develop.

>> Into a short film into a music video into a pocket giving participants like 16 year-old Isaiah Nieves opportunities to explore acting out, looking get inspired because, you know, he started off showing off iPhone.

You know, off of their iPhone.

I got this big We're big cameras or 14 year-old my guests to learn more about photography.

I also I'm not just talking.

He also we also did a design of clothing.

>> And I really like them getting to me, I never thought I would programming is offered throughout the year.

>> Exploring topics from the motions of a first date Yeah.

The struggles of drug addiction trying to go for And gang violence >> A part of our job here to make these kids realize that what they have to say doesn't matter that they have, you know, a lot of potential there projects, challenge assumptions, sort of Adidas says people may have on their communities.

>> And I started thinking to myself, but outside of myself as a kid feel bad for him.

wanted to help them.

That's the reason like I guess I'm like I got compassion other people are going through Cannes Film.

>> Great Guy.

An April 27th.

The organization will showcase