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Jordan Allen wins film contest and scholarship.
The New York Film Academy (NYFA) recently held its National YFEN (Youth Free Expression Network) film contest, with hundreds of hopefuls submitting their four-minute videos on Freedom of Speech. Jordan Allen, 18, from the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps was one of those hopefuls, submitting a video entitled Freedom Thieves. A panel of 13 judges comprised of actors, directors and film producers met to decide the top three contestants.
In late Dec. 2009, Jordan was announced as the first place winner. This month, March 2010, he will be flown to New York to receive his national award, along with a scholarship to the New York Film Academy. In addition, a dinner will be held in his honor, with faculty staff, members of the film industry, and the three winning contestants all in attendance, when his short film will be premiered.
Jordan, a sixth-generation Salvationist, is the son of Steve and Barbara Allen and a member of the Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus. He started acting at age 10 and made a number of TV appearances on various networks including FOX, Nickelodeon and Bravo, as well as numerous commercials including McDonalds, Chrysler, Pepperidge Farm, and Star Wars Xbox. At 14, he developed an interest in the production side of film and since then has been making short movies at home and school. In his senior year at Glendora High School, Jordan was made the Film President, which entailed the directing and producing of a short movie every month for the 3,000-strong student body, who always viewed the screenings with enthusiasm.
When asked about winning the film contest, Jordan stated, “I believe this is a door God opened for a purpose, so I’m gonna see where it leads and keep using my gifts for him.”