Terrific teen: Aniya Wolfe was honored for her short film on difficulties teens face. SOURCE: ANIYA WOLFE
Photographer/filmmaker Aniya Wolfe, a 14-year-old from Rhawnhurst, recently received the 2016 Just 4 U Kids KiddiePreneur, Entrepreneurs and Small Business Award.
Aniya, who will enter ninth grade at the High School for Creative and Performing Arts, also received a Purple Heart from the National Society of American Business Owners at the iAmFilmFest.
Aniya wrote, produced and directed SKIN, a short film that was shot in eight days and focuses on bullying, sexual abuse and gender identification through the eyes of a supportive friend. It has received more than 7,000 YouTube views. She plans to extend it to a feature.
“With SKIN, I wanted do a film that would open the eyes of adults and kids to these issues in a way that changes lives and maybe even help prevent these situations,” she said.
Her first film, Selfie Wars, has had over 10,000 YouTube views.
Aniya started Beauty Scene Photography as a way to finance her films, and received the KiddiePreneur, Entrepreneurs and Small Business Award for her company. Her company specializes in headshots, portraits, events and fashion photography.
The KiddiePreneur Award is presented to businesses that demonstrate business excellence and the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity and civic and social responsibility.
The organization, based in Jersey City, provides training, live celebrity events and networking for youth and adults. This year’s event featured appearances by Demetria McKinney (Tyler Perry’s House of Payne) and reality show producer Tracey Baker-Simmons.
“It was really great, and I had an opportunity to meet so many people who really enjoyed the film,” Aniya said.
SKIN was screened at the Rough Cut Film Festival and is also entered in the Black Star Film Festival.
Aniya, who enjoys dancing, recently launched a successful kickstarter campaign, raising $9,000 in hopes of extending SKIN to a feature.
“I have to act like every filmmaker is 14,” she said. “I’m not going to be 14 forever, so I have a lot of work to do.” ••
