Films are a quintessential element of childhood and growing up. Whether you are re-watching one of your favourite movies with your child for the first time or experiencing new films alongside your kids, there is something magical about watching stories come to life on screen. As children grow up and see movies that extend their imagination, a spark is ignited, and they may want to try bringing their own ideas to the big screen. Whether your child is a full-blown cinephile or just dipping their toe into the idea of making their own films, The Cinematheque offers exciting summer camp options for ages 8-19 to learn from the best in the business.
The Cinematheque was founded in 1972 and is a film institute that is dedicated to the art and history of cinema and screen-based media. They carefully curate film exhibitions, both Canadian and International, to provide a meaningful, communal experience. And, since 1995, they have shared their expertise with students interested in films and filmmaking to deepen their understanding of the process and share in the appreciation of the art. The programs offered at The Cinematheque are hands-on and highly participatory, and encourage students to develop their own style, voice, and perspective as a tool of self-expression.
Summer Camp options are grouped by age and skill, and include:
Animazing! Stop Motion Animation with UBC Camps | Ages 8-10.
Learn the basics of movie making with stop motion through drawing, sculpting, painting and acting. Watch as objects appear to ‘move’ across the screen using the stop motion process. Campers will develop their own storylines to bring a short film to life. Other techniques such as claymation and pixelation will be taught in the course of this week-long full day (9am-4pm) camp.
Dates: July 7-11 | July 21-25 | August 5-8
Action! Filmmaking with UBC Camps | Ages 11-13
Campers will take their skills to the next level by creating a short film over the course of 5 days! While the instructors provide technical assistance and creative mentorship, the students will be in the driver’s seat as they define their own style, tone, and content of their films.
Dates: July 14-18 | July 28- August 21| August 11-15
Cinelab | Ages 14-19
Don’t miss your chance to experience this exceptional, flagship program, offered in partnership with the UBC Department of Theatre and Film! Over 2 weeks, campers will work with top instructors in their field, have access to professional equipment, and receive creative mentorship. If your youth is serious about filmmaking, this will be the summer camp of their dreams!
Dates: July 7-18| July 21-August 1
Registration is open for summer camps at The Cinematheque and with school ending soon, you don’t want to wait! Enroll today!
The Cinematheque Summer Camps:
Dates: July 7- August 15, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue & Address:
UBC Camps | Cambrian Hall | 215 E. 17th Ave., Vancouver
Cinelab | UBC Theatre-Film Production Building | 6358 University Boulevard, Vancouver
Website: thecinematheque.ca
