“Outdoor School,” a movie that filmed in Oregon locations in 2022, is having its world premiere Wednesday at the American Black Film Festival in Miami, Florida.

The film is inspired by the experiences of acclaimed Portland-based actor and storyteller Vin Shambry, who is also an executive producer. As The Oregonian/OregonLive reported, the movie expands on Shambry’s memories of being homeless as a youth in Portland and the impact that attending Outdoor School, the environmental learning program, had on him.

It’s a story that Shambry first shared during an appearance at The Moth, the storytelling showcase that is also broadcast on public radio stations around the country.

“Outdoor School” is directed and co-written by Ime N. Etuk, who is also executive director of Lion Speaks, a nonprofit with the goal of helping train members of underserved racial groups and provide opportunities to work in media and professional production.

As Shambry told The Oregonian/OregonLive, he wanted “Outdoor School” to illustrate the rewards of getting out into rural areas, a message that is particularly important to convey to Black people who may feel unwelcome or unsafe spending time outdoors.

“This movie shows Black joy in the wilderness,” Shambry said, “and how one we are with nature.”

While we wait for “Outdoor School” to screen locally, here’s the trailer: outdoorschoolthemovie.com