Virtual Small File Filmmaking Workshop 2026
Interested in filmmaking but intimidated by expensive equipment and fancy software? Want to create an original film project from the comfort of your own home? Learn the hyper-creative, environmentally friendly, punk-chic practice of small file filmmaking! The Cinematheque has once again teamed up with the Small File Media Festival to offer this workshop on making films with tiny carbon footprints and huge creative impact.
This is a virtual workshop hosted remotely via Zoom. Templates, instructional videos, and other online resources will be provided. Live sessions will be held 5:30 pm–7:00 pm on Thursdays from January 22 to February 12. Participants will need a smartphone with a working camera (or a camera of your choice) and a computer capable of downloading simple video-editing software. (The Cinematheque will help you access a suitable free editing program.) If access to a computer or smartphone is a barrier, please get in touch with us at learn@thecinematheque.ca. All films produced during this workshop will be eligible for submission to the 2026 Small File Media Festival.
Cost: Free
Please note that spots are limited to 25 participants.
Generous support from the Canada Council for the Arts makes it possible for us to waive our usual registration fee.
Ages: 18+
Schedule
January 22 (Thursday)—Welcome & Concept Development
Zoom Meeting 5:30 pm–7:00 pm
Participants will work through pre-production documents and begin shooting on their own time before the next session.
January 29 (Thursday)—Shooting
Zoom Meeting 5:30 pm–7:00 pm
Participants will shoot their film projects in their own time before the next session.
February 5 (Thursday)—Editing & Compressing
Zoom Meeting 5:30 pm–7:00 pm
Participants will edit and compress their film projects in their own time before the next session.
February 12 (Thursday)—Rough Cuts & Feedback
Zoom Meeting 5:30 pm–7:00 pm
Participants will screen their rough cuts followed by a feedback session with facilitators and fellow participants.
February 19 (Thursday)—Final Cut Deadline (no Zoom session)
Acknowledgments
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Small File Media Festival
