Free Filmmaking Workshops Offered at Nelson Civic Theatre
By Eva Brownstein
Ever wondered how films could really affect change?
Had an idea for a blockbuster?
Wanted to get into the directors seat?
From 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. on Thursday (April 16) at the Nelson Civic Theatre you could have your chance.
As part of the upcoming Youth Film Festival (Wednesday — April 15 and Thursday April 16) that the Nelson Civic Theatre, filmmakers are offering their expertise for free.
Nelson’s former Cultural Ambassador Amy Bohigian will be offering a workshop entitled “Making Art and Film To Inspire Social Change” from 11 a.m. — 12:15 p.m. on Thursday at the Civic Theatre.
“Artists and Filmmakers who are looking to raise awareness and create meaningful change will take away a greater understanding of how to craft a story and reach an audience,” said Bohigian of her upcoming workshop.
Nisha Platzer, a Vancouver-based filmmaker whose films have screened in festivals in Europe, North America, and South America, will be offering a Scriptwriting workshop from 12:30 p.m. — 1:45 p.m.
“Writing is the basis for the majority of my creations,” said Platzer of her work on music videos, experimental film-poems, and analog projects.
Gregory Mackenzie, a Director with over two decades of experience and member of the Directors Guild of Canada, will be offering a workshop on the Art of Directing from 2:30 p.m. — 4 p.m.
“The group will learn how to break the script into shots, planning techniques, and techniques for working with and enhancing the performance of an actor”, said Mackenzie of the 1.5 hour workshop.
The workshops form part of the broader Youth Film Festival, which is a partnership between SelfDesign K-12 Learning Community and the Nelson Civic Theatre.
The Civic Theatre has donated the space for the workshops and for the submitted BC youth films, which will screen at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
On Thursday at 7 p.m. the Civic will screen the Top Ten Canadian Youth Films from the Toronto International Film Festival.
“We’ve been really surprised at the diversity of films submitted,” said organizer and former SelfDesign student James Tucker.
“We’ve received a film from Haida Gwaii with the Kwakwaka’wakw language, a piece from Port Hardy, submissions from Falkland, BC, and of course some great local films from young filmmakers in Nelson. “
“We’ve received animation, fiction, documentary, art, ski films, even a horror piece!” said Tucker.
“We’re really excited about the prizes too. Galiano Film and Television School have offered full tuition to a one-week program for three lucky winners.”
The Youth Film Festival has been supported by grants from the Columbia Basin Trust and Nelson and District Credit Union.
BC youth films screen at 7 p.m. on Wednesday for $5 at the door.
Workshops are free and registration is open to the public. However, space is limited. To register, email: youthfilmfestival@selfdesign.org
Visit the Youth Film Festival website for more information.
