The Cinematheque

A two-week storytelling workshop blending nature and filmmaking for youth ages 14–17 presented by The Cinematheque in partnership with Stanley Park Ecology Society.

March 15–26, 2021

Through a variety of nature-based activities, including weaving with plants, youth will learn from diverse knowledge holders about the natural world and the power of storytelling. Participants will be supported to convey these learnings and connections via a short film made on a smartphone.

This 2‑week camp will run as a blended program from March 15–26, 2021, involving both in-person and virtual activities for youth ages 14–17. This format will allow for social distancing while offering campers the opportunity to safely engage with camp leaders and fellow participants. Participants must be comfortable with self-direction for the nature activities, filming, and drop-ins to the Stanley Park Ecology Society’s offices at the Dining Pavilion and Nature House, or else have guardians available to assist and supervise. A tentative daily schedule can be found here.

Participants are welcome to use their own phones and laptops but will have access to smartphones for filming, basic film equipment, and laptops for editing their work. They will be able to sign out all equipment to use for their filmmaking process. 

Pre-register here.

Participants will be informed mid to late January if they have a spot.
Cost: Stanley Park Ecology Society Members $430, Non-members $470

To inquire about available bursaries for Indigenous youth please email publiced@​stanleyparkecology.​ca

If emailing to apply for a bursary, in a paragraph or two please tell us a little bit about yourself and why you hope to attend this camp. Including your answers to some of the following questions: 
Do you feel you have a relationship with the natural world in which you live? If so, how so? If not, why do you think not?
Do you have a story or message that you hope this camp can help come to life? (totally okay if not – we’re in this to both develop and tell stories). If so, can you tell us a little bit about that story? If not, what do you hope to get out of this camp? 

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.

Stanley Park Ecology Society is an independent non-profit charity and leading Park Partner in Stanley Park and Vancouver’s metropolitan region. Every year, SPES educators connect thousands of people with nature through school and public programs while our conservation team engages community volunteers in habitat restoration and wildlife monitoring. SPES advises the Vancouver Park Board and provides baseline information on conservation issues within the Park, including ecosystem integrity, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, and Species at Risk.