As a high school senior, Kyle Blasi has a clear focus on his career aspirations:  “Documentary filmmaking is a means to make change,” he observes, “amplify voices, and I hope to make a difference around the world as a traveling filmmaker.” 

Blasi’s future plans are currently in a holding pattern.  His dream is to spend a year at the European Film College in Denmark.  “It would be a sandbox for me to play in, and develop my own unique voice as a visual storyteller exploring what I like best about filmmaking”, Blasi explains.  Subsequent plans involve pursuing a degree in film production at Chapman University in Orange, CA. 

As a 4th grader, Blasi’s interest in filmmaking took off, starting with an instructional video he made for his aunt.  The writing was on the wall as he continued making creative short films that he directed, acted in, and edited.  By summer 2025, he was ready to take filmmaking to the next level when he was selected to attend the Youth Documentary Academy (YDA) in Colorado Springs.  The founder and director, Tom Shepard, became an inspiration and mentor to Blasi, shepherding him through the art of documentary filmmaking.   

Shepard notes that Blasi contributed to YDA in three significant ways:  his enthusiasm for learning; supporting, encouraging, and empowering his production team of fellow students; and efficiently mastering technical and filmmaking skills.  “It’s Kyle’s capacity to listen, his kindness and open-mindedness, and his curiosity and inquisitiveness”, declares Shepard, “that make him a standout and will serve him so well in the future…working out in the world.” 

With a long-term goal of winning top awards at the Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals, Blasi is already paving his way to success.  During his summer at YDA, he directed his own festival-grade short film titled “For the Fogeys”.  His film focuses on the life stories of the elderly, shedding light on overlooked challenges of aging.  With a premiere at Colorado College in front of 450 people, his film drew attention from Silver Key Senior Services and multiple film festivals.  On a personal level, Blasi realized he could make a meaningful impact through his art while inspiring viewers.   

As a multifaceted individual, Blasi is also skilled in sports, photography, and acting.  He is captain of the men’s varsity soccer team and is proud of his progression as an athlete, achieved by embracing challenges and plain hard work.  As a photographer, he became the first student from Manitou Springs High School to compete in the SkillsUSA State Photography Competition, placing second.  He has honed his acting chops with lead roles in four school theater productions.   

Kindness and compassion towards others certainly deserve recognition when demonstrated by a student.  Blasi himself values engaging with others and treating them with respect.  He speaks of the “unifying power of creativity”.  He also describes creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere as a soccer team captain, ensuring that kids have rides to practice and don’t feel left out.  TDA director Tom Shepard identifies qualities in Blasi that he values:  engagement with other students, open-mindedness, and ”kind demeanor”. 

Blasi thanks his parents for their support throughout his journey.  He says they always believed he could do anything he chose to do and encouraged him to chase his dreams.  With his primary focus on documentary filmmaking, Blasi muses:  “Film helps shed light on otherwise hidden stories and can spark real change in a community.  I want my work to be showcased on these global stages [Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals] so that they can reach the biggest audience with the highest potential to make change.”