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. Completed works debut at a special red carpet film premiere at The Cinematheque.
Watch Cinelab films created in past programs on our Vimeo channel.
We provide an inclusive, welcoming, and creative space with professional equipment, facilitated by experienced artists. Established professionals from the Vancouver creative scene deliver master classes throughout the program.
Summer 2026 program dates
Program 1: July 6–17
Program 2: July 20–July 31
Note: Registration is capped at 24 students per program (48 total).
Daily schedule:
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Location:
UBC Theatre-Film Production Building
6358 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
Cost: $700
The Cinematheque is a not-for-profit organization and the program fee is subsidized by support from our sponsors. Our sponsors generously donate limited bursaries for participants who meet their requirements and/or are in need of financial assistance. If you would like to apply for a bursary, please email us at cinelab@thecinematheque.ca. Bursary applications for Cinelab 2026 are due June 12, and applicants will be notified of the status of their application by June 19.
Accepted applicants will receive an email from cinelab@thecinematheque.ca with instructions for payment or (if applicable) bursary application.
Cinelab 2026 registration opens April 1, 2026
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Schedule
2026 schedule (to come)
Masterclass speakers
Speakers for Cinelab 2026 will be announced soon.
Past masterclass speakers include:
- 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:
The City of North Vancouver
Creative BC
UBC Department of Theatre & Film
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.