Sybil Patten is a documentary filmmaker, freelance video producer and educator. 

Patten offers a unique combination of filmmaking, journalistic and pedagogic skills, as well as vibrant curiosity, empathy, and motivation to engage the world via multimedia storytelling. Currently, Patten is working on a documentary about The Community School, the first alternative high school in Maine.

Filmworthy

In 2022 Patten launched Filmworthy, an affordable nonfiction video workshop for high school students in New York City.  This program supports students as they produce their short documentaries.  Since students film on their smartphones, they are encouraged to continue producing videos to hone their skills and to capture the many stories within their communities.

Beatriz profiles Anderson, her brother-in-law, about his passion for flying.

Dara profiles Ms. Yanira who shares the challenges and joys of teaching at MIHS.

Josuel profiles his uncle Jose about being a building superintendent in Brooklyn, and how his life and the city has changed over 40 years.

Aldo turns the camera on himself and his own immigration story, honestly describing the challenges of leaving home and living in a new land.

Daniel brings the viewer on a trip from the Bronx to his godmother’s home in Long Island where they discuss adapting to a new country.

Genesis sits down with her mom Ana; she describes moving from Ecuador, being a mother and the unique personality of each daughter. 

Ariana profiles her father Gabriel about leaving Ecuador first for California and then New York City. 

Maria profiles her mother, Patricia, who talks about driving a cab in Ecuador, her challenges as a teenager, and her advice to youths today.

Aihem and Mena profile their classmate Saleh about Yemen, life during the pandemic, and being a teenager in New York City.

Linnette profiles her cousin Marolin about adjusting to her new life as a teenager in New York City.

Roberto and Aimme sit down with their assistant principal Mr. Moses to learn about how he became assistant principal, and why he loves Manhattan International High School. 

Silvia interviews herself about immigrating from Guatemala, working and going to high school in New York City.

Maria interviews her father, Oscar, about one of the most difficult moments in Oscar’s life, losing his father.

Na Young and Tachit profile Mr. Bill who sells Christmas Trees on a busty Manhattan corner; Mr. Bill shares the highs and lows of his seasonal job.

Jennifer interviews her uncle Carlos about recent changes in his life. 

Hamza interviews his teacher, Ms. Nelly, about how she became a teacher and why she loves her academic subject.  

Ala and Safiya profile MIHS staff member, Jesus Castrejon, about his college studies and his job at the school.

Aniuska profiles her sister Alieen about her passion for taekwondo.

Yeraldy profiles her classmate Kelly about her dedication to traditional Ecuadorian dancing.

Naomi and Dairy interview two staff members and learn how different cultures celebrate Christmas.

24 years feels like yesterday is Sara’s profile of her parents' inspiring love story.  

Harold interviews his aunt about her life in Manhattan and her work in Puerto Rico after a devastating hurricane.  

Ana interviews her mother, Ana Garica, about her artistic journey as a painter.

In this profile we learn about Cynthia Kravetz, the school librarian, and her passion for providing students with engaging books, research material for school assignments, and a quiet place.