Inner-City Filmmakers was developed in 1992 during the Los Angeles civil unrest. Since 1993 ICF has been guided by its founding goal of providing free year-round professional, technical and business skills training and paid work opportunities to low-income inner city students where they can gain knowledge, perfect skills and develop their potential to the fullest extent.

Founded by working professionals Fred Heinrich, Film Editor and USC School of Cinema/Television graduate, and Stephania Lipner, Producer, Inner-City Filmmakers selects graduating seniors from high schools and social service agencies throughout Southern California. These diverse inner city students are bright, creative, resilient, hardworking, dependable and financially needy. Learning teamwork, developing leadership skills and having a sense of accomplishment provides a solid foundation for students' future success.

A non-profit organization, Inner-City Filmmakers' budget is met by 16% corporate grants, 18% government grants, 25% foundation grants, and 40% individual donations. Many individuals volunteer their time and services.