More than 350 youth from 12 Chicago alternative high schools tackle hard-hitting issues to provide alternatives to the violence occurring in their neighborhoods and communities.

In light of the heightened awareness of social justice issues brought about by the racially charged Martin case, student films examine how the lessons learned can be turned into interventions:

• “Know Your Rights, But…!” – Concerned that “knowing your rights” in an arrest situation could lead to attitudinal problems, filmmakers teach how to communicate with law officers without being perceived as a threat.
• “Putting the Cent$ In Senseless Violence” – An unabashed, rarely seen look at issues below the surface of African-American communities that contribute to violence and incarceration. 
• “School-to-Prison Pipeline” – Through man-on-the-street interviews, this news segment will test awareness as well as apathy toward the issue and seek solutions to the vicious school-to-prison cycle.

You will see the final results in the 7th annual Chicago Youth Community Film Festival, “Reel Look,” that will be held in the Claudia Cassidy Theater on the 2nd floor of the Chicago Cultural Center from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. tonight. The Cultural Center is located on 78th E. Washington in the Chicago Loop.