Cinelab
Cinelab is a two-week-long summer filmmaking program for aspiring artists aged 14–19 presented by The Cinematheque in partnership with The Department of Theatre & Film at the University of British Columbia.
Young artists are empowered to create unique short films from start to finish with the support of experienced professionals. In small crews, participants are guided through the complete filmmaking process—scripting, directing, lighting, and editing—to bring their creative visions to life. We provide an inclusive, welcoming, and creative space with professional equipment, facilitated by experienced artists. Each program includes a masterclass given by an established professional from the Vancouver creative scene. Completed works debut at a special red carpet film premiere at The Cinematheque.
Watch Cinelab films created in past programs on our Vimeo channel.
Cinelab 2027—Registration opens April 1, 2027
Further details of the 2027 program will be posted by January 4, 2027.
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Masterclass speakers
Speakers for Cinelab 2027 will be announced soon.
Past masterclass speakers include:
- Jessica Johnson and Ryan Ermacora (directors, Concrete Turned to Sand, Anyox)
- Colin Williscroft (production sound mixer, Blue Heron, A Life in Form)
- Adam Stein (director/screenwriter/editor, Final Destination: Bloodline, Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion, Fraggle Rock, Kim Possible, Freaks, Mech-X4, Forever Boys and more)
- Suzanne Friesen (cinematographer, Be Still; tu)
- Kathleen Hepburn (writer/director, Never Steady, Never Still; The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open, with Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers)
- Andrew Huculiak (director/writer/editor, Violent; Ash)
- Jason Karman (writer/director/producer, Lionhood; Golden Delicious)
- Rami Katz (documentary filmmaker, The Issue of Mr. O’Dell)
- Caroline So Jung Lee (filmmaker/interdisciplinary artist, At the Bottom of the Sea; Ghosts of Cambie)
- David Legault (editor/visual effects producer, Elysium; The Twilight Saga: New Moon; Elf)
- Doralynn Mui (actor, Riverdale; Kung Fu)
- Mila Zuo (film scholar/writer/director, Carnal Orient; Kin)
Supported by:
Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia
UBC Department of Theatre & Film
District of North Vancouver
Y.P. Heung Foundation
The Cinematheque is a film institute and media education centre devoted to understanding the art and history of Canadian and international cinema and the impact of moving images and screen-based media in our lives. With over 20 years of outreach experience, The Cinematheque engages with people of all ages through interactive film and visual media programs.
The Department of Theatre and Film at UBC aims to develop each student’s imaginative, technical and intellectual skills as they prepare to embark on a career in theatre and film, whether it be in practice or research.