A deeply personal Oregon-born film inspired by real-life experiences has made its big-screen debut on a national stage, bringing messages of healing, nature, and representation to the forefront.
“Outdoor School,” a narrative rooted in Portland actor and storyteller Vin Shambry’s life, premiered Wednesday at the American Black Film Festival in Miami. Directed by Ime N. Etuk and co-written with Shambry, the film explores what it means to belong—especially when the world outside doesn’t always feel like it was made for you.
Born in Portland, Told in Miami
Set against the stunning natural landscapes of Oregon and filmed on location in Oregon City in 2022, “Outdoor School” blends coming-of-age sincerity with an honest lens on race, poverty, and self-discovery. The film draws from Shambry’s experience growing up homeless in Portland and attending Multnomah County’s Outdoor School program as a middle schooler.
That week in the woods? It changed everything.
It wasn’t just about trees or rivers or science lessons. It was about being seen and feeling safe—for once. And that memory has now evolved into a feature-length film aiming to do the same for others.
“This movie shows Black joy in the wilderness,” Shambry said in an interview with The Oregonian. “And how one we are with nature.”
A Movie Rooted in Memory and Message
The story first reached wider ears during Shambry’s appearance on The Moth, the nationally aired storytelling series. What began as a powerful spoken-word memory has grown into a visual journey through trauma, beauty, and healing.
Directed by Etuk, who also runs the nonprofit Lion Speaks, the film was brought to life with an intent to do more than just entertain. Etuk’s organization supports training for underserved racial groups in media and production—so the film’s purpose runs behind the scenes, too.
And that authenticity shows.
In a world where many outdoor narratives center white protagonists, Outdoor School plants new roots. It centers a Black boy, navigating homelessness and racial isolation, yet finding solace—and even joy—in the woods.
The Unlikely Classroom: Oregon’s Outdoor School
For decades, Outdoor School has been a fixture in Oregon, offering sixth-graders a chance to live, learn, and explore the natural world in immersive weeklong experiences. Funded by a voter-approved statewide initiative, it’s a rite of passage for many Oregon children.
But it’s rarely been seen from this lens.
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For a Black child in Portland struggling with homelessness, it’s not just a field trip.
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It’s safety. It’s warmth. It’s food. It’s kindness from a teacher.
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It’s a moment away from fear.
And for Shambry, it planted something deeper.
Years later, as an acclaimed actor, director, and educator, he came back to this memory not with nostalgia—but with purpose.
“This isn’t about my story,” he said. “It’s about the thousands of stories like mine that never get told.”
Black Joy, Nature, and Who Gets to Belong
At its core, Outdoor School tackles a delicate but urgent question: Who gets to feel welcome in nature?
Shambry has spoken openly about the discomfort and danger many Black Americans feel when venturing into rural spaces. The very places celebrated in outdoor recreation culture often come with an unspoken message: this isn’t for you.
That’s where Outdoor School flips the script. It doesn’t ignore the fear or alienation—but it doesn’t center them either.
Instead, the film chooses to show:
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A young boy smiling under a Douglas fir
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Laughter around a campfire
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Curiosity sparked by salamanders and pinecones
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The quiet dignity of belonging—even just for a moment
It’s a small revolution, shown softly.
Real People, Real Places, Real Impact
The cast includes a mix of rising young actors and seasoned performers, but it’s the Oregon setting that feels like its own character. Filmed at real campgrounds and neighborhoods near Portland, the movie doesn’t dress up poverty or glamorize trauma. It stays grounded.
Aislinn Agnes Yap, another Oregonian who has made headlines this year for climbing to the top of world sambo rankings, said after watching the film’s trailer that she saw herself in that story—“the part where you’re scared to speak up because you’re too used to being invisible.”
The impact extends beyond the screen. Lion Speaks, through its production efforts, employed dozens of aspiring filmmakers from underserved communities during the shoot. It also partnered with regional educational organizations to distribute the film to schools starting later this year.
Festival Buzz and What Comes Next
Premiering at the American Black Film Festival wasn’t just symbolic—it was strategic. ABFF has long championed Black filmmakers telling nuanced, often untold stories.
Early reactions in Miami were strong. The film received a standing ovation at its first screening, and festival insiders say it’s already drawing interest from national distributors. No word yet on a Netflix or theatrical release, but insiders hint a limited national rollout may be on the horizon.
Here’s a quick look at what’s known so far:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Outdoor School |
| Inspired by | Vin Shambry’s childhood in Portland |
| Directed by | Ime N. Etuk |
| Premiere Festival | American Black Film Festival, Miami |
| Filming Location | Oregon City, Oregon |
| Executive Producers | Vin Shambry, Ime N. Etuk |
| Nonprofit Partner | Lion Speaks |
| Public Trailer Website | outdoorschoolthemovie.com |
The trailer, now live, captures all of this in just over two minutes—wide-angle shots of Oregon’s misty forests, soulful music, and a quiet performance from its young lead. It’s worth watching.
Back home in Portland, viewers are still waiting for a local screening date. Shambry says it’s coming—probably this fall. “This story started in Oregon,” he said. “It deserves to be seen here first.”
