With a program that grew out of the 1992 riots after the verdicts in the Rodney King beating case, two Oxnard residents continue to help young people by introducing them to the world of filmmaking.

Fred Heinrich, a film editor, and Stephania Lipner founded Inner-City Filmmakers, a nonprofit organization that offers a free, year-round film education and production training program. The program started in 1993.

"We wanted to make a change," Heinrich said of the program, which primarily targets low-income high school graduates ages 18 to 22 in the Los Angeles area who have no access to the film industry but have a passion for film production.

The program, which is also open to students in Ventura County, is recruiting students for this summer's class.

In almost 15 years, the organization has served more than 325 students. Some of the graduates now work in the film industry as recruiters, teaching assistants and mentors for new students in the program, Lipner said.

"Once you are in the program, you are in the program for life, and very often people come back to learn," Heinrich said.

The students have access to instructors who work in the field, guest speakers and other key people in the industry, Heinrich said. The program opens doors for the participants, he added.

"A lot of them realized if they want to be in the industry or not," Heinrich said, pointing out that the program has influenced many students to pursue careers in film production.

In the classes and hands-on workshops, students develop their skills as writers, directors, producers and other roles.

Lipner said the students must have passion, persistence, patience, some natural ability and an openness to learning.

Cristhian Arias, 18, started with the program last summer. He said it was one of the best decisions he has ever made.

"We directed and produced our own shows. We were here long hours, all morning and afternoon," said Arias, a Santa Monica College student who is considering a career in visual effects.

Lipner added that Inner-City Filmmakers is a bridge from high school to college. Last year, out of the 35 students who entered the program, 91 percent enrolled in college, their records show.

"It was a good transition for me from high school to college," said Jenny Cazares, 20, a member of the program for two years. "They believe in kids who normally wouldn't be expected to have a future. They really challenge you, they really pushed you."

The organization is funded by corporations, government grants, foundations and individual donations.

"It's more than just a summer program," Lipner said. "It's not just for kids with passion, but we are looking for students that are also good family members, to give back to the organization. When they move up, they'll help others."

Inner-City Filmmakers is recruiting for its summer class that runs July 2 to Aug. 23. Applications must be completed by the student, parents and career adviser. The deadline to apply is April 23.