Lights, camera, action! Making your own movie seems like a far-off dream for most children and youth as they watch films on the big screen. The lighting, the sound, the story, and the music combine so perfectly to create something magical and awe-inspiring. Fortunately, The Cinematheque wants to pull back the curtain on filmmaking and show youth ages 14-18 that they too can create their own awe-inspiring film with just a smartphone, some editing software, and access to incredible educators and mentors to guide them through the process. If you have an aspiring filmmaker in your home, enroll them in The Cinematheque’s Filmmaking Workshops for Youth starting on February 4th and running until March 19th, with a special screening event on April 26th.
Each Tuesday, creative youth work their way through the process of making a short film using readily available equipment and software. Delivered as an online-hybrid format allows students to participate from afar to create and direct their own films, or to connect in person with other youth to get in-person support and mentorship. Optional Wednesday sessions give students the chance to hang out in person, shoot in a studio, and try out The Cinematheque’s professional camera equipment. Participants from around Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland will learn from professional filmmakers, such as Thea Loo, a recent winner of the VIFF Arbutus Award for Best BC Film, as they bring their own vision to life. Alongside accomplished directors and creatives, students will learn how to move through the various processes of filmmaking, how to problem-solve when they hit a roadblock, and gain valuable insight from professionals and other creative youth about how to ensure their film stands out. The program is designed to be flexible and fun, so students who miss a class or two can catch-up on what they missed. The quality of instruction and attention to detail will give your child the confidence to pursue their dreams and their vision!
One of the most unique and exciting aspects of The Cinematheque’s Filmmaking Workshops is the opportunity to collaborate with the VSO School of Music to create a custom score for each student’s film. Participants will work alongside a young composer in a parallel Film Scoring workshop to create music that fits each filmmaker’s vision and elevates the process and the final product. Additionally, participants who are curious about the music production side of filmmaking can gain valuable insight and mentorship from Noah Franche-Nolan, VSO Music Instructor and composer for film, documentaries and theatre. From the initial storyboard creations to production design and ultimately, to showing the final product at a special screening on April 26th, participants in The Cinematheque’s Filmmaking Workshops will get unparalleled education and experience bringing their vision to life. At the end of the process, participants will walk the red carpet and then unveil their incredible film to their family and friends on the big screen at The Cinematheque.
Give your aspiring filmmakers the creative boost they need with professional-quality Filmmaking Workshops at The Cinematheque. Registration is open and the program begins on February 4th.
Filmmaking Workshops for Youth at The Cinematheque:
Dates: Tuesdays & Wednesdays from February 4 – March 19, 2025. Special screening on April 26th.
Times: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Cineworks
Address: 300-1131 Howe Street, Vancouver
Website: thecinematheque.ca.learn