To our Wonderful Supporters of the Folktellers for Literacy Program,
Whoever holds the story wields the power. This past year, over 1,300 Michigan students proved exactly that—and the stories they told left us breathless. Now the doors are opening wider, and we cannot wait to welcome your students into the adventure.
We are thrilled to announce that pre-registration for the 2027 Folktellers for Literacy Program is now open. And this year, we’re taking literacy somewhere extraordinary.
Stories First. Always.
The Folktellers for Literacy Program has always believed that a story, well told, can change the world. At its heart, the program is built on bibliotherapy—the transformative power of literature to spark imagination, build emotional resilience, and unlock the voices of young people who have something important to say.
Students read. Students write. Students create original 2–3 minute films inspired by Josef Bastian’s Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook fantasy series—and the best of them walk a red carpet at Emagine Theatres to see their films premiere on the big screen. Literacy is the launchpad. Storytelling is the destination.
In 2027, we are expanding that mission to include one of the most important literacy skills of our students’ lifetimes: learning to read, write, and create alongside artificial intelligence—responsibly.
Our new AI Enablement & Governance module treats AI the same way we treat every other storytelling tool: as something young creators must learn to read critically, use intentionally, and govern wisely. Students will learn to collaborate with AI in the writing and filmmaking process, understand questions of authorship and bias, and—most importantly—know when the story can only come from them. That is literacy for the world they are actually growing up in.
2027 At a Glance
- Who: Elementary & Middle School students | 30 students per kit
- Program: February – April 2027 | Celebrity Judging: May 2027
- Red Carpet Finale: June 2027 at Emagine Theatres
- Cost: FREE — made possible through the generous support of our corporate sponsors
Enrollment opens August 2026 and spots fill fast. The 2027 waitlist started forming the night of our 2026 red carpet—and we don’t want your students to miss their moment.
Pre-register today and learn everything you need to know at www.folktellersforliteracy.com.
Let’s make 2027 the year your students’ stories change the world.
With excitement, gratitude, and a very big red carpet,
Stephen Sadler Co-Founder, Folktellers Studios | Folktellers for Literacy Program www.folktellersforliteracy.com
