ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — “Quiet on the set!" Cranston Cumberbatch said, and the room of young people fell silent.

What You Need To Know

  • Wednesday, June 19, 6 p.m. is the Juneteenth Film Festival

  • It will be at Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa

  • Entry is Free

Cumberbatch sees more than teenagers at summer camp, these are creatives, and they need direction.

Cumberbatch can do that. And wield a camera. And write and act.

“I have a motto,” said Cumberbatch. “I refuse to be limited, and it allows me to get my creative ideas out there when I have them. I don’t have to wait on anyone and/or ask permission.”

Cumberbatch is the first on-camera instructor at American Stage Theatre. This summer, he’s making movies with his students.

“I like to engage my students in the world I live in every day,” said Cumberbatch.

Cumberbatch has been acting professionally since 2006. And he not only stars in the movies for the upcoming Juneteeth Film Festival at the Tampa Theatre, he’s helped to organize it.

“Growing up on the south side of St. Petersburg I didn’t have anyone to look up to in the community,” said Cumberbatch. “And now being in a position to actually be that person, it's one of my biggest rewards of giving back to the community,” said Cumberbatch.

Cumberbatch will enter this student film into local film festivals.

“I just so happen to be the festival director for the Sunshine City Film Festival and the Tampa Bay Black Arts and Film Festival here in St. Pete,” said Cumberbatch.