Why You Need to Become a Filmmaker—Right Now

Even If It’s Just With Your Phone

Dec 15, 2024

Cross-post from The Underground Film School

Become a Filmmaker for the Movement—No Experience Required Six years ago, I picked up a camera for the first time. I followed Native American water protectors on a prayer run against an environmentally destructive water pipeline. It wasn’t polished, but it was real—and it reached people. Since then, I’ve honed my skills in film school and learned one powerful truth: You don’t need fancy equipment or Hollywood budgets to tell a story that matters. You need courage, a message, and the will to share it. That’s why I’m launching the Underground Film School—to teach activists, storytellers, and anyone with a smartphone how to create compelling films for the movement. Here's my first post. -

Justin McAffee

In a world saturated with distractions and dominated by mainstream media, the most radical and effective thing you can do is tell a story that matters. You don’t need a Hollywood budget, fancy gear, or a film degree. You need two things: a message that demands to be heard and the tools you already have—a smartphone and your own creativity.

The truth is, storytelling has never been more powerful, more accessible, or more urgent. Whether it’s for social change, artistic expression, or simply connecting with your community, learning to craft stories through film is an essential skill for anyone who wants to leave a mark. And you—yes, you—are exactly the right person to start.

Why Super-Budget Indie Films Are the Most Radical Medium

The Barriers Are Gone
In the past, filmmaking was the privilege of those who could afford expensive cameras, lighting kits, editing software, and the time to master it all. Today, anyone with a smartphone has a powerful filmmaking tool in their pocket. You can shoot, edit, and share compelling videos—all with what you already own.
The Message Matters More Than the Money
Some of the most impactful films and viral videos of our time are not technically “perfect.” Instead, they resonate because they tell raw, authentic stories. With the climate and ecology collapsing, cultures eroding, and injustice rising, we don’t have time to wait for someone else to tell our stories.
- A well-crafted story shot on a phone can outshine a million-dollar blockbuster.
- Stories of resistance, community, joy, and grief are yours to share—because you’re living them.
The Most Revolutionary Medium Is the One People See
TikTok. Instagram. YouTube. Short films. Documentaries. The battlefield of storytelling has shifted to where people’s attention is—social media and the internet. With indie filmmaking skills, you can create content that stops the scroll, challenges the dominant narrative, and connects deeply with others. You don’t need permission.
The Underground Resurgence of Filmmaking
Art has always flourished in resistance. Just like the underground punk scene of the ‘70s or the samizdat writers in Soviet Russia, independent filmmakers today are the cultural warriors pushing boundaries and inspiring change. Your film—no matter how “small” or simple—can be part of this underground movement.

The Skills You Need Are Already Within Reach

You might be thinking, “But I don’t know how to make a film.” That’s where this website comes in. The Underground Film School Name exists for people like you—people ready to tell stories that matter with the tools you already have.

Here’s what you can learn with us:

How to shoot stunning footage on your phone—no fancy equipment needed.
The art of storytelling—how to craft narratives that move people.
Editing basics—turning raw clips into polished, powerful films.
Making films that stand out on social media—so your message reaches the right people.
Practical hacks for super-budget indie filmmaking—because creativity beats money every time.

The underground film movement isn’t just about making art—it’s about making waves.

Why You Need to Start Filming Today

The natural world is being poisoned. Communities are being torn apart. And mainstream media isn’t going to save us. But stories—your stories—can inspire resistance, reconnect people to the earth, and bring hope where it’s needed most.

Filmmaking isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s a tool for survival and change. Whether you want to:

Document injustices and inspire action.
Share everyday beauty and resilience.
Tell fictional stories that make people feel something real.

You need to start. Now.

Join the Movement—Learn the Skills

At The Underground Film School, we’re here to give you the skills, guidance, and inspiration to create powerful films, no matter your budget. Subscribe today and learn:

How to make stunning films with just your phone.
How to share them effectively online.
How to tell stories that matter.

No gatekeepers. No excuses. Just you, your creativity, and a message the world needs to hear.

The World Needs Your Story

Think of your smartphone as your weapon—your camera as your voice. Every film you make, every story you share, is a step toward a better, more connected, more truthful world.