Youth Film Camp

Providing a ‘window’ into the broader world is at the core of our Youth-focused activities. Film is a great story-telling medium, and the films produced by our Film Camp participants are a testament to the collaborative aspects of filmmaking. There is strong evidence that engagement with filmmaking can be a vehicle for improving literacy, as well as expanding creativity, and improving vocabulary.

Our youth programs promote media literacy, skills development, an appreciation of cinema, and an awareness of community issues such as social justice, sustainability, and personal responsibility. The theme for the 2024 film camp is “Celebrating Friendship”. Friendship is an important gateway that builds bonds and develops camaraderie and trust between people. Our friends are our chosen family, so it’s important to choose wisely. But what really makes a good friend? And further, what are the glaring red flags that warn someone isn’t actually a good friend at all?

Film plays an important role not only in student literacy, but also in life learning, and career opportunities. Many of the students involved in the Camp and the PRDFS go on to further education and employment in film, or use the skills learned to further their other pursuits.

The camp takes place at the Patricia Theatre. Campers are divided into groups of 4 or 5 students, each under the mentorship of a professional filmmaker. Over the course of the 4 days, a variety of skills are explored in a collaborative environment that encourages creativity, helps build confidence, and develops listening skills – while making a short film. Students learn about developing a concept into a script, acting and directing skills, cinematography, sound recording and design, and editing.

At the end of the camp, the students introduce and show their films at the Historic Patricia Theatre, these celebratory screenings are well attended by parents, caregivers, and friends – more than 100 people attended the screening in 2023.

In 2021, we shifted from reaching out across the province to focus on our students in the qathet regional district. Admission to the camp is free. Applicants to the camp fill in a short questionnaire that helps us determine student interests, experience and skill level, as well as compatible teams. This year, we are inviting campers age 11 to 15 to apply.

Deadline for applications: June 14 CLOSED
Applicants will be notified of acceptance by June 28

The Youth Film Camp gratefully acknowledges the support of BC Gaming, Powell River Community Foundation, qathet Regional District, School District 47, and the Powell River Digital Film School.